Seoul: The Supreme Court's recent ruling, which confirmed the conviction of former lawmaker Yoon Mi-hyang for embezzling donations, has sparked widespread criticism due to its timing and implications. The court's decision, which came after Yoon had completed her term, has been viewed as a stark reminder of the legal maxim "justice delayed is justice denied." The ruling highlights significant concerns regarding the efficiency of the judicial process in South Korea. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Supreme Court upheld a second-trial judgment sentencing Yoon to one year and six months in prison, suspended for three years, for misappropriating funds intended for the Korean Council for Justice and Remembrance for the Issues of Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. This final judgment occurred four years and two months after Yoon was initially indicted in September 2020. The protracted legal proceedings allowed her to serve her full term as a lawmaker, retiring in May without losing her seat or any of the benefit s accorded to her position. The case against Yoon was initiated three months after she began her term, but the first trial took two years and five months to conclude, resulting in a fine of 15 million won ($10,745) in February 2023. This delay permitted Yoon to retain her National Assembly seat, as a lawmaker's position is only forfeited if a jail sentence by the lower court is confirmed by the Supreme Court. The appeals court later expanded the recognized scope of embezzlement, increasing her sentence. Yoon's case is not isolated, with other prominent figures like former Ulsan Mayor Song Cheol-ho and Rep. Hwang Un-ha also experiencing delayed trials. Both individuals served their terms in office despite pending legal proceedings. These instances underscore systemic delays within South Korea's judicial process, prompting calls for reform from the public and officials alike. Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, upon assuming office, emphasized the need for swift and fair rulings. However, public sentiment suggests th at significant improvements remain unseen. The case of Cho Kuk, leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, is another example of prolonged legal proceedings. Indicted in December 2019, Cho received a two-year prison sentence in an appeal court four years later. Despite this, the Supreme Court has yet to schedule a hearing for his case, nine months post-ruling. In response, an advisory panel of the Supreme Court recently suggested measures to expedite trials to Chief Justice Cho. The call for action is growing, emphasizing the need for tangible changes in the judicial system to restore public trust and ensure timely justice.