On December 21, Kang Deukgu, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's statement supporting the establishment of a special court division for insurrection cases, saying, "I feel unbearable anger."
On his Facebook page, Kang stated, "Supporting the proposal within the Supreme Court is, in effect, a declaration of support for the Cho Hee-dae-led judiciary," expressing his criticism. He further questioned, "If we follow the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's argument, are we suggesting that judicial reform should be entrusted to Cho Hee-dae? Is this really something that can be said in one's right mind?"
Kang also found the timing of the statement difficult to accept. He said, "After belatedly and quietly releasing their position, they indirectly criticized the Democratic Party's bill on the special insurrection court division," and added, "From the beginning, I have made my stance on this issue clear, and I have consistently argued that the special insurrection court division should be strongly supported and pursued. However, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party's recent decision runs counter to judicial reform, is far removed from the will of the people, and ignores the anger of citizens demanding reform."
Kang continued, "In trying to emphasize their independent line, did the Cho Kuk Innovation Party not end up quietly presenting a position that is close to opposition on this critical issue?" He added, "If the reason for their delayed and ambiguous statement was political calculation, then it is an attitude that belittles the public. This position must be withdrawn immediately, and an apology should be made to the people." He also stated, "Judicial reform is not a matter for compromise, and Cho Hee-dae must resign," adding, "History and the people are watching."
Previously, on December 18, the Supreme Court announced at a Supreme Court justices' administrative meeting that it would establish regulations on the formation of special court divisions and trial procedures for nationally significant cases. The Supreme Court's new regulations stipulate the creation of dedicated court divisions to focus solely on cases involving insurrection and treason under the Criminal Act, and rebellion under the Military Criminal Act, considering their national significance and the need for expedited proceedings. On the same day, Park Byeongeon, spokesperson for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party, remarked in a statement, "Today, the Supreme Court decided to designate a special panel at the Seoul High Court to handle the appeals for the ongoing insurrection trials. Although it is regrettable that the announcement came late, the Cho Kuk Innovation Party welcomes this decision."
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