The Democratic Party of Korea has taken a step back in its plan to handle the bill for establishing a dedicated court for insurrection cases. Originally, the party intended to propose and process several legislative reforms in the national assembly, including the creation of this special court and the introduction of a crime of judicial distortion, as early as the 9th. However, in response to constitutional concerns raised by legal experts and voices both inside and outside the party, they have decided to proceed with caution.
During a closed policy caucus meeting held on the 8th, the party discussed whether to present the already judiciary committee-approved bill in the plenary session scheduled for the 9th. A consensus was reached on the need for a separate court to handle insurrection cases, but there were significant constitutional concerns. As a result, the party decided to seek expert advice and gather input from various sectors before revisiting the discussion in the next caucus meeting, as announced by Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung.
Despite this, the party remains committed to passing the judicial reform bills by the end of the year. The spokesperson emphasized that there was no disagreement on the necessity of establishing a court dedicated to insurrection cases, and concerns had been raised about judicial delays, including canceled detentions and dismissals under President Yoon Seok-yeol’s administration.
Initially, the Democratic Party aimed for rapid progress on judicial reform. However, with constitutional concerns being publically raised by not only the judiciary and opposition parties but even affiliated groups like the People’s Reform Party, the party within has leaned towards a more cautious approach. On the same day, the National Judges’ Representatives’ Meeting expressed their concerns about the potential breach of independence in the judiciary, urging careful deliberation over the proposed amendments to criminal law related to the special court and the new crime of judicial distortion.
Given this shift in direction, it is likely that the bill to amend the National Assembly Act, which reinforces filibuster conditions, will be brought forth in the session on the 9th instead. The amendment stipulates that the National Assembly Speaker can suspend a filibuster if fewer than 60 lawmakers are present. If passed, it would make it difficult for the opposition Liberty Korea Party, which holds 107 seats, to prolong a filibuster. Although they plan to begin a filibuster as soon as the act is presented, their strategy would end at midnight on the last day of the regular assembly session, the 9th. If a special assembly is convened on the 10th, the amendment to the National Assembly Act is expected to pass promptly.