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2h ago

Democratic Party Pushes Special Tribunal Plan Despite Judicial and Political Resistance

Party leaders pledge revisions to contested provisions to avert constitutional challenges that could stall or void trials.

Elected judge representatives from courts nationwide meet for a regular meeting at the Judicial Research and Training Institute in Goyang, just north of Seoul, on Dec. 8, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
This undated file photo shows the Supreme Court in southern Seoul. (Yonhap)
Elected judge representatives from courts nationwide enter a regular meeting at the Judicial Research and Training Institute in Goyang, just north of Seoul, on Dec. 8, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The bills, including a special tribunal for Dec. 3, 2024 martial‑law cases and a new offense of legal distortion, cleared the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and are being readied for a December floor vote.
  • South Korea’s top judges formally warned the measures are highly likely unconstitutional for undermining random case assignment and judicial neutrality, and over 100 judicial leaders met Monday to coordinate a response.
  • DP leader Jung Chung-rae and Secretary-General Jo Seoung-lae said the party will proceed but will supplement and adjust provisions to address constitutional concerns raised by courts and legal groups.
  • Opposition parties escalated criticism, with the People Power Party alleging presidential office involvement and the Reform Party calling the push dangerous, while the presidential aide Woo Sang-ho emphasized staying within constitutional bounds.
  • The package would let the justice minister help recommend tribunal judges and seeks to curb Constitutional Court review for insurrection cases, prompting warnings that immediate legal challenges could halt proceedings and risk later invalidation.