Kim Byungki: "Now the Responsibility Lies with the Judiciary"
People Power Party to Continue Filibuster
On December 23, the Democratic Party of Korea pushed through a special criminal procedure bill in the National Assembly plenary session, which establishes dedicated courts for cases of insurrection, treason, and rebellion-including the insurrection case involving former President Yoon Seokyeol. Immediately afterward, a filibuster (unlimited debate) began regarding the Act on the Eradication of False and Manipulated Information (an amendment to the Information and Communications Network Act).
On this day, the National Assembly, led by the Democratic Party, ended People Power Party leader Jang Donghyuk’s 24-hour filibuster and passed the bill to establish dedicated courts for insurrection cases. Of the 179 members present, 175 voted in favor, 2 against, and 2 abstained. The People Power Party did not participate in the vote.
The core of this bill is to establish at least two dedicated panels each at the Seoul Central District Court and the Seoul High Court to handle cases such as the insurrection charges against former President Yoon Seokyeol. It also stipulates that the appointment of judges and allocation of cases will be handled by each court’s judges’ council, case distribution committee, and chief judge, thereby completely blocking Chief Justice Cho Heedae’s involvement.
Jang Donghyuk, leader of the People Power Party, continued an unlimited debate on the special law regarding the establishment of a dedicated court for the December 3 Yoon Seokyeol emergency martial law and the protection of whistleblowers at the National Assembly plenary session on the 23rd. 2025.12.23 Photo by Kim Hyunmin
Kim Byungki, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated at the party’s policy meeting, "We have fundamentally blocked any unconstitutional elements," adding, "Now, the responsibility lies with the judiciary. The reason the Constitution entrusts responsibility to the judiciary is clear: to resolutely judge those who seek to destroy the constitutional order." This is interpreted as an attempt to preempt potential requests for a constitutional review from opposition parties and civic groups.
Immediately after the passage of the dedicated insurrection court bill, the Act on the Eradication of False and Manipulated Information was also introduced. This law imposes punitive damages up to five times the actual damage for the distribution of false information and allows the Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission to levy fines of up to 1 billion won. Additionally, it stipulates that those who commit defamation by stating facts for the purpose of slander may face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won.
The National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee initially defined the distribution of false or manipulated information that infringes on another person’s personal rights, property rights, or the public interest as prohibited. However, amid controversy over potential restrictions on free speech, the Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee revised the bill to prohibit distribution only when there is intent to cause harm to others or to gain undue benefit.
Han Jeongae, chair of the Democratic Party’s Policy Committee, stated, "By prohibiting distribution in cases where there is intent to infringe on others’ rights or interests, or to cause harm or gain undue benefit, we have eliminated any potential unconstitutionality," adding, "We will continue to fulfill our reform pledges to the public." However, not only the People Power Party but also progressive civic groups are calling for the bill’s repeal, citing concerns about the weakening of the media’s oversight and criticism functions, as well as the issue of double penalties.
When the bill was introduced, the People Power Party began a filibuster led by Choi Sujin, a member of the National Assembly’s Science, ICT, Broadcasting, and Communications Committee.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
