Rebuilding Korea Party: "Supports Ruling Party's Special Court for Insurrection, But Warns of Constitutional and Trial Suspension Risks"

Seo Wangjin, Floor Leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, Holds Press Briefing on December 7
"If the Democratic Party Accepts Our Alternatives, We Will Agree"

The Rebuilding Korea Party has expressed agreement with the necessity of establishing a special court for insurrection cases, as proposed by the Democratic Party of Korea, but raised concerns about potential constitutional issues and the possibility that trials for those accused of insurrection could be suspended.

Yonhap News Agency

On December 7, at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seo Wangjin, floor leader of the Rebuilding Korea Party, held a press briefing and stated, "The Rebuilding Korea Party has already expressed support for the need to establish a special court for insurrection cases." He added, "However, the current approach being pursued by the Democratic Party carries the risk of constitutional controversy, and there is a danger that insurrectionist forces could exploit this loophole, creating a serious situation where trials are suspended."

Floor Leader Seo said, "The Democratic Party is trying to push through a package that includes both the special law and an amendment to the Constitutional Court Act to prevent trial suspensions even when a constitutional review is requested, in an attempt to avoid controversy over trial suspensions caused by the special law." He continued, "The Court Administration Office and the Ministry of Justice have already raised the possibility of unconstitutionality regarding the special court for insurrection cases, and even the Office of the President has reportedly conveyed to the Democratic Party that the constitutional concerns must be thoroughly examined."

He added, "Since there are ongoing concerns even within the Democratic Party and warnings are pouring in from various sectors, the party leadership should carefully consider and deliberate on these issues." He continued, "The Rebuilding Korea Party hopes that the Democratic Party will make a wise and responsible decision at the policy caucus meeting on December 8."

Seo further emphasized two alternative proposals put forward by the Rebuilding Korea Party. The first is to form a recommendation committee that excludes nominations from the Minister of Justice and the Secretary-General, instead having recommendations made by the National Judges’ Representatives Council, the Korean Association of Law Professors, and the Association of Law Schools. The second is to delegate the appointment to Supreme Court rules, but require that appointees be selected from among those recommended by the aforementioned organizations.

Seo clarified, "Since we have presented two alternatives regarding the special court for insurrection cases, if one is chosen at the Democratic Party's policy caucus, we will, of course, agree."

He strongly urged the Democratic Party, stating, "We request that proper consultation and deliberation be conducted on the raised concerns and alternatives, and that a decision be made through these procedures."

Meanwhile, regarding the amendment to the National Assembly Act that would strengthen the requirements for a filibuster (unlimited debate), Seo said, "The filibuster is an institutional mechanism introduced in 2012 as part of the National Assembly Advancement Act to protect minority opinions and ensure deliberative democracy." He continued, "The Rebuilding Korea Party opposes the amendment, as it undermines the spirit of the law without any real benefit." He also opposed the amendment to the Outdoor Advertising Act, stating, "There is a significant risk that it would restrict the political expression of minor parties." The Democratic Party is currently pushing for the passage of both bills.