Court Action Against Kim Jong-un Not Ruled Out, Says ICC Bar Leader Larochelle
President of the International Criminal Court Bar Association (ICCBA), Philippe Larochelle, has said the possibility of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un being tried at the International Criminal Court (ICC) should not be dismissed.
Speaking in Seoul on May 9, Larochelle emphasised that legal professionals in South Korea must prepare for any scenario involving international justice. He stressed that political changes could pave the way for a trial at the Hague-based court.
“You never know how politics might evolve,” Larochelle said. “We must not rule out the chance of Kim facing court proceedings.”
Larochelle noted that there are currently no Korean lawyers on the ICC’s list of counsel. He urged legal practitioners in South Korea to register and familiarize themselves with the ICC’s structure and process.
The ICCBA president is visiting South Korea to promote awareness of international criminal law and encourage local legal participation. He met with institutions such as Seoul National University and the Korea Bar Association.
The United Nations and human rights groups have long called for Kim’s prosecution at the ICC. They cite mounting evidence of crimes against humanity, including torture, rape, forced abortions, and mass killings under his regime.
Larochelle said the 2014 UN report documenting these abuses holds Kim responsible as the state’s leader and military commander. The report described systematic violations taking place in political prison camps and across North Korea’s surveillance state.
Although not an expert on Korean politics, Larochelle expressed confidence in South Korea’s democratic and judicial systems. He described Korea as a country where the rule of law is deeply rooted and effective.
“There’s no immediate need for the ICC in Korea,” he said, “but it’s still vital for the country to be prepared.”
Larochelle described the ICC as a “laboratory” of international justice, where political influence is unavoidable. He urged unity among member states to preserve the court’s independence and effectiveness amid mounting global political pressures.
The ICCBA serves as the only official body representing counsels before the court. It supports both defense and victim lawyers and advocates for improved working conditions.
Larochelle emphasized the need for more regional involvement, especially from Asia. He noted that while Korea has produced ICC judges, its lawyers remain absent from active counsel roles.
“We must strengthen court participation across borders,” he said. “This is not just about the ICC — it’s about global accountability.”
With recent challenges facing the ICC, including sanctions and non-cooperation from some member states, Larochelle called for a stronger diplomatic front. He warned that inconsistent support undermines the court’s work and credibility.
He also highlighted the court’s need to better handle acquitted individuals, pointing out gaps in post-trial support systems. “It’s not just about convictions. The court must protect the innocent as well,” he added.
Larochelle’s visit reflects a broader strategy to build local legal capacity for future ICC cases, including the possibility of trying leaders like Kim Jong-un before the court.
