Overview
- Democratic Party Secretary-General Jo Seoung-lae said the party will proceed with the special tribunal bill while conducting a thorough constitutional review and revising the text if necessary.
- Jo said the tribunal is intended to handle insurrection cases thoroughly and swiftly, and he floated appointing an additional special counsel.
- The proposal advanced through the Democratic Party–led Legislation and Judiciary Committee, and political watchers expect it could come to a vote in the National Assembly’s December session.
- After a judges’ conference, the heads of the courts publicly opposed the tribunal bill and a separate measure to penalize judges and prosecutors for misapplying the law, citing threats to neutrality and the right to a fair trial.
- The Rebuilding Korea Party voiced conditional support but warned of constitutional pitfalls and potential trial disruptions, and the presidential political affairs chief said any tribunal must stay within constitutional limits.