Chief Judges Voice Opposition to Special Court for Insurrection Cases...“Potentially Unconstitutional”

[Financial News] Chief judges have expressed opposition to the ruling party’s push to establish a special court for insurrection cases, arguing that it could be unconstitutional.
At the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee audit on the 20th, Kim Dae-woong, President of the Seoul High Court, was asked by Park Jun-tae of the People Power Party whether he agreed with forming a separate court for the trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol on insurrection charges. Kim responded, "I believe that involvement in the formation of a court from outside the judiciary raises concerns of a constitutional violation."
Oh Min-seok, President of the Seoul Central District Court, also said in response to the same question, "I think there is a risk of unconstitutionality and a cautious approach is necessary." Bae Junhyeon, President of the Suwon High Court, likewise stated, "I share the same position of opposition."
Additionally, the chief judges agreed with the intent to increase the number of Justices of the Supreme Court of Korea, but emphasized the need for a careful approach.
Kim Dae-woong noted, "There is a certain level of consensus regarding the increase in Supreme Court justices," but stressed, "It is necessary to approach the numbers and timing of the increase with caution through public discussion."
Oh Min-seok acknowledged, "I recognize the necessity and consensus for an increase, but the issue of increasing Supreme Court justices should be addressed by listening to the Supreme Court’s position." Bae Junhyeon remarked, "I believe it should proceed cautiously, taking into account the functions and roles of the Supreme Court of Korea."
They also indirectly emphasized the need for respect toward the judiciary.
When Cho Bae-sook of the People Power Party asked, "Was it not a significant event undermining judicial independence that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae was unable to leave the audit chamber for 90 minutes during the National Assembly audit?" Kim Dae-woong replied, "While the principle of checks and balances operates between the legislative and judicial branches, I believe the principles of balance and mutual respect must also be maintained."
In response to a question from Shin Dong-wook of the People Power Party asking whether the judiciary is subordinate to elected authorities, Kim Dae-woong answered, "I do not believe there is any hierarchy."

jisseo@fnnews.com Seo Min-ji Reporter