South Korea's National Assembly, led by the ruling Democratic Party, passed a revision to the Constitutional Court Act, allowing the court to review lower court rulings, including finalized Supreme Court decisions. The bill passed 162-63 after the main opposition's filibuster ended. While the ruling party claims it protects people's rights, the opposition accuses it of undermining judicial independence.
On February 27, 2026, in Seoul, South Korea's National Assembly, led by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), passed a revision to the Constitutional Court Act as part of judicial reforms. The bill allows the Constitutional Court to review lower court rulings, including those finalized by the Supreme Court. It passed with a vote of 162-63 shortly after the main opposition People Power Party's (PPP) filibuster ended.
This is one of three judicial reform bills pushed by the DP. Another bill, which criminalizes 'legal distortion,' passed the Assembly on Thursday. The third bill, aiming to increase the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26, was introduced during Friday's plenary session and is scheduled for a vote on Saturday.
The DP, holding a parliamentary majority, argues that the bills will better protect people's rights. The PPP strongly opposes them, accusing the DP of attempting to undermine the independence of the judiciary and appoint justices favorable to the ruling party. The opposition also questions whether the reforms are genuine or intended to shield President Lee Jae Myung from his five suspended criminal trials following his election last year.
The PPP has conducted back-to-back filibusters since the plenary session began on Tuesday. A filibuster involves lawmakers holding the floor for extended periods to delay votes and can be ended after 24 hours with the consent of at least 180 members, or three-fifths of parliament.
The passage highlights deepening bipartisan tensions over judicial reforms.
