Turbulence from Day One as the ‘Three Judicial Laws’ Take Effect: Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae Accused, Property and Tax Cases Also Headed for Constitutional Complaints

[Financial News] It has been confirmed that Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Korea Cho Hee-dae, who quashed and remanded the case involving President Lee Jae Myung’s alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act, was already reported to prosecutors on December 2 on suspicion of the crime of judicial distortion, one of the so-called "Three Judicial Laws" (the crime of judicial distortion, constitutional complaint against court rulings, and the law to increase the number of Supreme Court justices), which were promulgated and took effect at midnight on the 12th. As for constitutional complaints against court rulings, four cases were filed just on the morning of the first day of implementation, including the first case, the "Syrian Deportation Order Case."
With the door now open to the Three Judicial Laws, a seismic shift in the judicial system effectively began on this day. The police expect a flood of criminal complaints nationwide for the crime of judicial distortion, not only against Chief Justice Cho but also targeting judges and prosecutors more broadly. Constitutional complaints against court rulings are likewise expected to surge across all areas, including criminal, family, and administrative cases. Legal experts predict that even real estate and tax disputes—such as auctions, building delivery, taxes, and administrative fines—will be brought before the Constitutional Court of Korea. A period of confusion is therefore seen as unavoidable. The legal services industry has already formed task forces and is moving quickly to capture this emerging market.
The National Court Administration of the Supreme Court of Korea is holding a National Court Presidents' Meeting in Jecheon, North Chungcheong Province, from December 12 to 13 to discuss follow-up measures. On the same day, the Constitutional Court of Korea activated its Electronic Constitutional Complaint Filing System within the Electronic Constitutional Adjudication Center. It is also revising internal rules, including adjudication procedures, through its Administrative Preparatory Team.
theknight@fnnews.com Jung Kyung-soo, Choi Eun-sol, Jang Yoo-ha Reporter