Chu Kyung-ho’s Warrant Dismissed... Opposition: "End of Insurrection Accusations," Ruling Party: "Accelerating Judicial Reform"

Jang Donghyuk: "Dismissal of the Warrant Is a Signal, Insurrection Accusations Have Ended"
Jeong Cheongrae: "Dismissal Does Not Remove Charges, Party Dissolution Still on the Table"
Hardline Factions in the People Power Party Expected to Gain Streng

With the special prosecutor’s arrest warrant for Chu Kyung-ho, a member of the People Power Party, being dismissed on December 3, political circles are expected to experience significant aftershocks. The People Power Party is likely to use this as an opportunity to further strengthen its stance of “no apology for martial law” and amplify hardline voices within the party. In contrast, the Democratic Party of Korea is expected to accelerate its push for judicial reform, including the establishment of a dedicated court for insurrection cases.

On the 3rd, Chu Kyung-ho, a member of the People Power Party accused of obstructing lawmakers' participation in the vote to lift martial law during the December 12-3 emergency martial law period, was released after his arrest warrant was dismissed and is leaving the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, declared on this day that the party would intensify its struggle against the government and the ruling party, using the dismissal of Chu’s arrest warrant as a signal. Posting on Facebook in the morning, Jang stated, “A year of darkness is now passing. The thick curtain is being lifted, and a new path of hope is opening. The dismissal of the arrest warrant for former floor leader Chu is precisely that signal. The insurrection campaign that began on December 3, 2024, ended on December 3, 2025.”

The question of whether Chu would be arrested was considered a key turning point for the People Power Party, coinciding with the first anniversary of the December 3 emergency martial law. If the court had accepted the allegations that Chu, then the party’s floor leader, obstructed the National Assembly’s vote to lift martial law, the party could have faced the stigma of being labeled an “insurrectionist party” and provided the Democratic Party with grounds to request its dissolution. With the warrant dismissed, hardline factions within the People Power Party, such as Supreme Council member Kim Minsoo, are expected to gain momentum.

Jang, who waited all night in front of the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province, became emotional as Chu, whose warrant had been dismissed, exited the main gate at around 5:18 a.m. Jang proclaimed, “Today marks the end of the dark past of martial law, impeachment, and insurrection campaigns, and the beginning of a new future.” He added, “If unconstitutional and anti-democratic insurrection campaigns do not stop, the people will bring down this administration.”

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the on-site Supreme Council meeting held on the stairs of the National Assembly Main Building in Yeouido, Seoul, marking the first anniversary of the December 3rd attempted insurrection. 2025.12.3 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

On the other hand, the Democratic Party of Korea raised its voice for judicial reform. Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the on-site Supreme Council meeting held in front of the National Assembly Main Building, “The dismissal of the arrest warrant does not mean the charges have disappeared,” and emphasized, “If guilt is confirmed through trial, I want to make it clear once again that the People Power Party is, ten times or a hundred times over, a party subject to dissolution for violating the Constitution.”

He also stressed the need for a dedicated court for insurrection cases. Jeong said, “The judiciary under Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae is itself proving why a dedicated court for insurrection is necessary,” and added, “On the first anniversary of the December 3 insurrection prevention, we renew our commitment to thoroughly eliminate the remnants of insurrection, achieve judicial reform, and firmly establish democracy and constitutional order in this country.”

The confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties over judicial reform and the special prosecutor’s investigation is expected to intensify further. Jang asserted, “Their arrows will be aimed at the judiciary,” and emphasized, “We must join with the people to block the Lee Jaemyung administration’s attempt to dismantle the Republic of Korea.” Jeong stated, “I believe the people will deliver a stern judgment against the People Power Party, which still has not come to its senses,” and declared, “We will take the lead, holding high the banners of insurrection eradication and livelihood reform.”