Despite Supreme Court Regulation on Insurrection Division,
Democratic Party Leadership Determined to Push Bill
Calls for Caution Within Party: "Further Review and Revisions Needed"
People Power Party Criticizes Bill as "Clearly Unconstitutional"
The Democratic Party of Korea has once again reiterated its determination to push through the bill to establish a special court division dedicated to insurrection cases. The Supreme Court has issued a regulation to create a division specializing in insurrection and treason cases, which has eliminated concerns over unconstitutionality, leading the party to believe there are no obstacles to advancing the bill. However, there are also calls for caution. The People Power Party has urged the withdrawal of the bill, arguing that there is no longer any justification for pushing it through.
According to the Democratic Party on December 19, the party leadership is finalizing revisions to the bill with the goal of submitting it to the plenary session on December 23 and passing it on December 24. Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party, has maintained his stance to process the bill for the establishment of a special court division for insurrection cases. At the Supreme Council meeting on this day, Jeong stated, "The Supreme Court regulation is like a candle that can be extinguished by a gust of wind," adding, "The Democratic Party will proceed with the special act to establish divisions specializing in insurrection and treason cases, as well as judicial reform bills, as originally planned, ensuring they are processed and passed without delay."
Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. 2025.12.19 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
The Democratic Party intends to maintain the measures tentatively decided at the party caucus on December 16, including the establishment of a dedicated division starting with the appellate court, and the formation of a judicial panel nomination committee within the court. The party argues that the Supreme Court regulation lacks the binding force of law, which could lead to instability. Lee Yongwoo, chair of the Democratic Party's Legal Committee, stated in a commentary the previous day, "The Supreme Court's enactment of this regulation clearly confirms that there are absolutely no constitutional or legal issues with establishing a dedicated court division for insurrection and treason cases," signaling the party's commitment to the initiative. Kim Yongmin, the ruling party secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, said on YTN Radio, "I believe it is appropriate to first address the crime of judicial distortion and then postpone the bill for the insurrection division to a later priority, as it requires further supplementation and revision."
However, the situation is complicated. The revised bill has drawn criticism from hardline lawmakers and party members as being "watered down," while allied parties such as the Korea Innovation Party have pointed out that the Supreme Court regulation has reduced the necessity for a separate insurrection court division bill.
Song Unseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on the 19th. 2025.12.19 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
The People Power Party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the bill to establish a special court division for insurrection cases. They argue that since the Supreme Court regulation has removed unconstitutional elements, there is no longer any need for separate legislation. Song Unseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, criticized at the floor strategy meeting on this day, "Although the Democratic Party has revised the bill, its fundamentally unconstitutional nature remains unchanged."
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