Supreme Court set for public hearing for discussions on judicial reform

Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, speaks during a public hearing on discussions to improve the judicial system at the Seoul court complex in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The Supreme Court opened a three-day public hearing Tuesday to discuss judicial reforms proposed by the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and to gather opinions from various sectors of society.

The hearing takes place as the judiciary has voiced concern over the series of reforms, including a bill that would create a special tribunal dedicated to handling insurrection cases.

The DPK has been pushing to establish the special tribunal, citing perceived delays and unfairness in the trials of those implicated in insurrection cases stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law.

Cheon Dae-yeop, head of the National Court Administration, stressed the need to resolve the distrust faced by the judiciary, vowing to make efforts for improvement by listening to the opinions raised through the hearing.

"Discussions on judicial reform are taking place more active than ever centered around the National Assembly," Cheon said at the hearing. "The judiciary deeply recognizes the changing times and there is a need to continuously reflect and improve to meet the higher expectations of the people."

The hearing's speakers and presenters include those from outside of the judiciary and from across the political spectrum, and they will discuss various issues facing the judiciary, including ways to strengthen its transparency, and expanding the public's judicial participation.

The event will also feature a debate Thursday involving those from both judicial and outside backgrounds.

"In terms of the design and operation of the judicial system, (we) need to see things from the people's perspective and focus on the improvements and changes demanded by the people," Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho said in remarks read on his behalf.

Cheon Dae-yeop, right, head of the National Court Administration, attends a public hearing for discussions on improving the judicial system at the Seoul court complex in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The event comes a day after representative judges from courts nationwide expressed concern over the DPK-led bill designed to create the special tribunal and another bill aimed at judicial reform, saying they could undermine the independence of the judiciary.

On Friday, top judges from courts nationwide also voiced concern over the two bills.

Last week, DPK lawmakers passed the two bills through the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee amid a boycott by the main opposition People Power Party.

The second bill would allow for the punishment of judges and prosecutors who intentionally distort legal principles or manipulate facts in a case under trial or investigation.