Overview

• The Democratic Party’s package would expand Supreme Court justices from 14 to 30 and revise nominations, judge evaluations, access to lower-court rulings, and preexamination for search-and-seizure warrants.
• After an extraordinary nationwide meeting, court leaders urged extensive public debate and stressed that trial independence must be guaranteed.
• Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said he will fully present the judiciary’s views to the National Assembly to find the “right path” for reform.
• The Supreme Court is conducting a comprehensive review of a proposal to create a special court for cases tied to Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial-law declaration.
• Supreme Court Justice Cheon Dae-yeop reportedly cautioned internally that judges were not formally included in the ruling party’s drafting process.