Ex-Constitutional Court justice joins KAIST to research law in age of AI

Former acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Moon Hyung-bae smiles as he visits the offices of Hankook Ilbo for an interview in Seoul, Aug. 29, 2025. Korea Times photo by Ha Sang-yun

Moon Hyung-bae, former acting chief justice of the Constitutional Court, has begun a new chapter in academia after joining KAIST as a distinguished visiting professor, where he plans to delve into legal issues arising in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

Moon disclosed his new career earlier this week while speaking as a lecturer at a book presentation at Gwangju District Court. He said he was officially appointed on Jan. 9 as a distinguished visiting professor at KAIST’s Moon Soul Graduate School of Future Strategy and had already started commuting to campus.

“I decided to take on this role because, as a legal professional, I believe I may be able to offer guidance on how KAIST can proactively respond to the AI era," Moon said.

Moon identified personal data rights as the central legal challenge posed by artificial intelligence.

“The biggest issue with AI is the right to informational self-determination,” he explained. “AI operates by collecting and processing personal data, which inevitably leads to conflicts with individuals’ rights to control their own information.”

He noted that Korea has become the second jurisdiction in the world, only after Europe, to implement a comprehensive AI framework law. Moon emphasized the need to examine whether strict legal regulation could stifle innovation in the AI industry. By contrast, he said, the United States has taken a more hands-off approach, encouraging companies to establish and follow voluntary guidelines.

“Europe applies regulations in a limited and phased manner, but Korea is enforcing the AI law comprehensively,” Moon said. “If AI-generated content is not properly labeled, fines can be imposed. No one knows yet whether this approach will be effective.”

He added that addressing the growing concerns of the AI industry requires early and active involvement from legal experts. “That is the role I intend to play as a visiting professor."

Moon also said that while several universities had expressed interest in appointing him, he chose not to join any institution with a law school. He dismissed speculation about a future political career.

Moon drew widespread public attention last April after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol. He retired from the bench later that month and publicly pledged not to open a private law practice for profit or pursue a political career. In August, he published a book compiling reflections from his time as a judge.