“The One-Eyed Warrior Fighting Injustice”
Featured in Chosun Newspaper, South Korea’s leading national newspaper (2023)
In this feature by Chosun Newspaper, Attorney Yewon Kim discusses the deep flaws in South Korea’s child protection system, the unintended harm caused by poorly designed legal reforms, and her own journey as a public interest lawyer.
On child abuse: Kim criticizes the narrow focus on sensational cases, arguing that most abuse occurs within families and is often overlooked. She advocates for child-centered approaches that listen to the child’s voice rather than defaulting to institutional care or punishment. She shares heartbreaking cases where children suffered more from the system’s response than from the initial abuse.
On criminal justice reform: Kim voiced strong opposition to the 2022 law that removed investigative authority from prosecutors, arguing it makes it harder for victims—especially the most vulnerable—to access justice. She warned that the new system creates delays, confusion, and discourages reporting.
On challenging discrimination: Kim, who is blind in one eye due to a birth injury, led a successful seven-year legal effort to change Korea’s traffic law, allowing people with partial vision to obtain a Class 1 driver’s license. She also won a landmark Supreme Court case recognizing a prosthetic leg as part of the body for the purpose of workplace injury protection.
On her mission: Rather than framing her work as sacrifice, Kim emphasizes agency and purpose. She has handled over 1,000 cases representing people with disabilities, abuse survivors, and other marginalized individuals, stating:
“When society turns its back on the vulnerable, justice must be the one to hold the line.”
https://www.chosun.com/national/weekend/2022/10/29/6QHHBTT7KZEAZLOTZFUAADNKMM
