DPK Enters Final Coordination on Special Insurrection Court Bill... Considering Application from Appellate Stage

General Assembly to Share Results of External Law Firm Consultation in the Afternoon
Party Leadership and Judiciary Committee Members Hold Closed-Door Meeting in the Morning

On December 16, the Democratic Party of Korea will begin final internal coordination regarding the bill to establish a special court division for insurrection cases. The party plans to prepare a compromise that minimizes the constitutional concerns that have sparked controversy.

The Democratic Party intends to hold a general assembly of its members at the National Assembly at 2 p.m. on this day, where it will decide its final stance on the direction of the bill to establish a special court division for insurrection cases, which is currently being promoted.

Previously, on December 8, the Democratic Party attempted to gather internal opinions on the bill during a policy general assembly, but as many lawmakers raised concerns about its constitutionality, no conclusion was reached, and it was decided to continue further discussions.

To address the constitutional controversy, the party leadership requested a comprehensive review of the bill from the external law firm LKB Pyeongsan. The proposal suggested by the law firm is expected to be released at the general assembly of lawmakers being held on this day.

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Democratic Party members' general meeting held at the National Assembly on the 11th. 2025.12.11 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Reportedly, options under consideration include having the special court division for insurrection cases operate from the appellate stage, and forming the court selection committee entirely of judges, excluding the Minister of Justice.

There are concerns that if cases are reassigned when a significant portion of first-instance trials for major defendants have already progressed, it could lead to criticism of judicial interference and issues related to the expiration of detention periods.

However, some members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee are expected to object that if the court selection committee is composed entirely of judges, it would not differ significantly from the current system in which the judiciary assigns appellate court panels.

Before the general assembly on this morning, the party leadership held a closed-door meeting at the National Assembly Members' Office Building with ruling party lawmakers who are members of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee.

However, after the meeting, they did not disclose the results to reporters. Floor Leader Kim Byungki said, "Nothing has been finalized yet, so we need to discuss further. No conclusion has been reached. The decision will be made at the general assembly." Policy Committee Chairperson Han Jeongae also declined to comment on any revisions, stating only, "We need to report to the general assembly."