Special Courts Were Considered During Judicial Corruption and Sewol Ferry Incidents
Calls for Establishment Stem from Public Anxiety and Distrust
Emphasizes the Need to Restore the Original Purpose of Personnel Hearings
Kim Byunggi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, commented on September 3 regarding the sedition trial of former President Yoon Sukyeol and others, saying, "What about establishing a dedicated court for sedition cases?"
At the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly that day, Floor Leader Kim stated, "I hope the judiciary will listen to those advocating for the establishment of a special court for sedition cases," making the above remarks.
Kim Byunggi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press briefing for the 2025 regular session of the National Assembly on September 2nd at the National Assembly. 2025.9.2 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Addressing some arguments that a special court for sedition cases would be unconstitutional, he said, "There were also claims of unconstitutionality during the 2018 discussions on a special court for judicial corruption, but no conclusion was reached. In 2014, following the Sewol ferry disaster, the judiciary itself considered establishing a special court." He continued, "If it were truly unconstitutional, the judiciary would not have considered it in the first place. Just as important as the issue of constitutionality is the question of why the public is so strongly demanding the establishment of a special court for sedition cases. Isn't it because of anxiety and distrust?"
Floor Leader Kim also expressed concerns about the judiciary in relation to the sedition trial, stating, "The judiciary has fueled concerns about whether sedition can be properly brought to an end." He continued, "If not a special court for sedition cases, what alternatives does the judiciary have?" He added, "Instead of insisting that not a single word can be changed, I hope you will propose alternatives and communicate with the National Assembly. If we deliberate together, we can come up with good solutions."
He further stated, "Rather than simply opposing, I hope the judiciary will do its utmost to ensure the complete resolution of sedition and a just judgment, even without a special court for sedition cases."
The previous day, at a press briefing for the regular session of the National Assembly, Floor Leader Kim had expressed his personal view, saying, "I personally believe it is necessary" regarding the special division for sedition trials.
He also mentioned the need to improve the personnel hearing system. He questioned, "Is the current personnel hearing process really acceptable?" and criticized, "Regardless of suitability for public office, the focus is solely on scrutinizing private lives. The media speculates, exaggerates, and labels suspicions about the candidate and their family, even when they have not disclosed such details themselves. Sometimes, this even amounts to character assassination." He added, "Even when innocence is proven, there is no apology or accountability, and only false information and articles are reproduced. In the end, suspicions remain as a stigma, and appeals of unfairness are ignored."
Floor Leader Kim referenced the fact that he had introduced an amendment to the Personnel Hearing Act, centered on the establishment of a personnel hearing subcommittee, and explained, "The main point is to review sensitive private matters separately and confidentially." He continued, "The main hearing will focus on verifying competence and qualifications." He pledged to restore the hearings to their original purpose and to take the lead in improving the system so that no one suffers unjust harm again.
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