Overview

• The National Association of Judges has called an extraordinary meeting to discuss concerns over judicial independence and public trust, set for May 26.
• The meeting follows the Supreme Court's May 1 decision to remand Lee Jae-myung's election-law case, raising questions about the timing and neutrality of the ruling.
• The Seoul High Court has postponed Lee's retrial hearing to June 18, after the June 3 presidential election, amid criticism of potential political interference.
• The Democratic Party has publicly called for the resignation of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and proposed a special prosecutor, moves criticized by bar leaders as threats to judicial independence.
• Nine former Korean Bar Association presidents and legal experts have warned against undermining the judiciary, emphasizing the constitutional guarantee of judicial autonomy.