Overview

• Judges from across South Korea will meet on May 26 to discuss judicial independence and the Supreme Court's expedited handling of Lee Jae-myung's election law violation case.
• The National Association of Judges is expected to deliberate on the perceived erosion of judicial neutrality and public confidence in the judiciary.
• The Democratic Party of Korea has criticized the Supreme Court's ruling as election interference, as a guilty verdict could disqualify Lee from the June 3 presidential race.
• The meeting will also address calls for Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de's resignation and legislative proposals that could impact judicial independence.
• Some judges have opposed the timing of the meeting, citing concerns it could be interpreted as politically motivated so close to the election.