Han Byung-do warns of 'dangerous signals' from politicized judiciary

Democratic Party of Korea floor leader Han Byung-do said Tuesday that the judiciary's drift toward politicization was "sending dangerous signals in all directions" and that he shared a sense of acute crisis about the current state of affairs.

Han made the remarks at a general assembly of party lawmakers at the National Assembly, saying that although the national audit had concluded, "an enormous number of tasks still lie ahead of us." The assembly was convened to discuss whether to pursue a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae, a possible delay in the taxation of virtual assets, and other pressing issues. The party decided not to share information related to allegations of a mass Shincheonji Church membership drive.

Han said that Han Duck-soo and Park Seong-jae, whom he described as key participants in the insurrection, had both received reduced sentences on appeal, and that Yoon Suk Yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon had been acquitted in connection with the Myung Tae-kyun polling allegations. "Today, a warrant hearing is being held on whether to issue an additional arrest warrant for Kim Keon Hee," he said. "I hope the moves made over the past year were not groundwork laid to set Kim Keon Hee free."

Han also said allegations surrounding Chief Justice Jo himself were mounting — from his refusal to renominate Supreme Court justices and the prolonged vacancies that followed, to the disbursement of cash incentives from his official expense account. "Thoroughly investigating the allegations that have been raised and dispelling public doubt is a duty the National Assembly must fulfill," he said.

Han went on to ask members to share their views on the various matters surrounding Chief Justice Jo and to build consensus on a plan for how to respond going forward.

Han said November and December would be "the time for budgets and legislation," adding that the party needed to accelerate discussions on a broad special economic zone bill directly tied to the nation's future. He also said it was time to reach a collective judgment on whether to delay the taxation of virtual assets.

Han also urged the party to move quickly on reviewing next year's budget bill. "November and December must be made into a golden window for producing tangible results and supporting the success of the Lee Jae Myung government," he said.