Seoul: The Supreme Court opened a three-day public hearing Tuesday to discuss judicial reforms proposed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and to gather opinions from various sectors of society. The hearing takes place as the judiciary has voiced concern over the series of reforms, including a bill that would create a special tribunal dedicated to handling insurrection cases.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the DP has been pushing to establish the special tribunal, citing perceived delays and unfairness in the trials of those implicated in insurrection cases stemming from 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, vowing to make efforts for improvement by listening to the opinions raised through the hearing.
“Discussions on judicial reform are taking place more active than ever centered around the National Assembly,” Cheon said at the hearing. “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.”
The hearing’s speakers and presenters include those from outside of the judiciary and from across the political spectrum, and they will discuss various issues facing the judiciary, including ways to strengthen its transparency, and expanding the public’s judicial participation. The event will also feature a debate Thursday involving those from both judicial and outside backgrounds.
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho, in remarks read on his behalf, emphasized the importance of viewing the judicial system from the people’s perspective and focusing on the improvements and changes demanded by the public. The event comes a day after representative judges from courts nationwide expressed concern over the DP-led bill designed to create the special tribunal and another bill aimed at judicial reform, saying they could undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Last week, DP lawmakers passed the two bills through the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee amid a boycott by the main opposition People Power Party. The second bill would allow for the punishment of judges and prosecutors who intentionally distort legal principles or manipulate facts in a case under trial or investigation.