South Korea's Supreme Court opened a three-day public hearing on Tuesday to discuss proposed judicial reforms amid concerns from the judiciary. The event aims to gather opinions from various sectors on enhancing transparency and expanding public participation. It follows recent legislative pushes by the ruling Democratic Party.
South Korea's Supreme Court opened a three-day public hearing on December 9, 2025, at the Seoul court complex in southern Seoul to discuss judicial reform proposals by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and gather opinions from various sectors of society. The judiciary has expressed concerns over the series of reforms, including a bill to create a special tribunal for handling insurrection cases. The DPK is pushing for the special tribunal, citing perceived delays and unfairness in trials related to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law.
Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, stressed the need to resolve the distrust faced by the judiciary during the hearing, vowing efforts to improve by listening to raised opinions. "Discussions on judicial reform are taking place more actively than ever centered around the National Assembly," Cheon said. "The judiciary deeply recognizes the changing times and there is a need to continuously reflect and improve to meet the higher expectations of the people."
Speakers and presenters at the hearing include individuals from outside the judiciary and across the political spectrum, discussing issues such as strengthening transparency and expanding public judicial participation. The event will feature a debate on Thursday involving participants from both judicial and external backgrounds. In remarks read on his behalf, Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said, "In terms of the design and operation of the judicial system, (we) need to see things from the people's perspective and focus on the improvements and changes demanded by the people."
The hearing comes a day after representative judges from courts nationwide expressed concerns on Monday over the DPK-led bill for the special tribunal and another judicial reform bill, saying they could undermine judicial independence. On Friday, top judges from courts nationwide also voiced concerns over the two bills. Last week, DPK lawmakers passed the bills through the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee amid a boycott by the main opposition People Power Party (PPP). The second bill would allow punishment of judges and prosecutors who intentionally distort legal principles or manipulate facts in trials or investigations.
