South Korea's National Assembly passed a Democratic Party bill on Tuesday establishing dedicated trial panels at Seoul courts for criminal cases of insurrection, foreign aggression, and rebellion. Introduced two days earlier and surviving an opposition filibuster, the legislation raises ongoing concerns about judicial independence and sets a potential precedent for case-specific judicial changes.
South Korea's National Assembly on Tuesday approved a bill mandating at least two dedicated trial panels each at the Seoul Central District Court and Seoul High Court for cases involving insurrection, foreign aggression, and rebellion. The Democratic Party (DP)-introduced measure, first proposed on December 22, underwent revisions—including shifting judge selection from an external recommendation committee to the courts' own judges' meetings—to address constitutional issues.
Despite these changes, critics, including People Power Party (PPP) leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who launched a filibuster on Sunday, argue it remains unconstitutional 'case-specific' legislation targeting proceedings linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid. The PPP urges President Lee Jae-myung to veto it.
Anticipating passage, the Seoul High Court held a judges' meeting on Sunday to expand panels, prompting questions about random case assignments and retroactive application. A separate provision assigns dedicated judges for insurrection-related warrants, potentially relevant to future investigations.
The law's constitutionality will likely be tested in the Constitutional Court, as the judiciary defends its independence against legislative pressure.
