SONG Sang-hyun'63, an alumni and former professor of SNU, was elected as new president of the International Criminal Court in The Hague (ICC) on March 11 2009.

Song was elected by an absolute majority for a term of three years according to the ICC.

The Court also said that judge Song has extensive practical and academic experience in court management, criminal procedure and the law of evidence.

Judge Song has taught at SNU College of Law from Sep. 2 1972 to Dec 31, 2005 as professor and officially retired from SNU on Feb. 25, 2007.

Before ICC, Judge Song was well-known as a legal reformer in Korea. Song was a member of the advisory committee to the Korean Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice, and participated in the reform of the national litigation system and in particular of its Penal Code, the Code and the Court Rules of Criminal Procedure and Criminal Court processes.

He joined ICC on Jan. 1, 2006 as the first Asian judge. He said in the same interview that"I feel immense pride in my alma mater during the course of my campaign. I received tremendous encouragement from SNU alumni from all fields."

The ICC Presidency is responsible for the proper administration of the Court, with the exception of issues concerning the Office of the Prosecutor. It oversees the activities of the Registry and ensures that it delivers effective service to the judiciary. It also provides input into a broad range of administrative policies and issues presidential directives on matters relevant to the Court's overall functioning. The Presidency further organises the Chambers' judicial work and carries out functions pursuant to the Rome Statute, Rules of Procedure and Evidence, and Regulations of the Court. The Presidency further has responsibilities in the area of external relations, such as the negotiation and the conclusion of agreements on behalf of the Court and the promotion of public awareness and understanding of the institution.

March 12, 2009
SNU PR Office