On October 26, the South Korean National Assembly passed a significant amendment to the criminal law, which includes the introduction of a new offense termed 'distortion of law.' This legislation received considerable attention as it aims to penalize judges and prosecutors who might manipulate legal applications or evidence in criminal cases, allowing for imprisonment of up to ten years. The amendment was supported predominantly by the ruling Democratic Party, which emphasized the need for judicial reform as part of their broader agenda to enhance the integrity of the legal system.

Despite its passage, the amendment faced controversy, with opposition from members of the National Assembly, particularly from the People Power Party. Although they conducted a filibuster to obstruct the bill, the governing party moved forward and voted, resulting in 163 approvals, 3 against, and 4 abstentions. Notably, key figures within the Democratic Party expressed concerns over the vagueness of the initial proposal, prompting revisions prior to the vote to clarify aspects that could be interpreted as unconstitutional.

Furthermore, the bill also expanded the scope of the espionage law from targeting 'enemy states' to now include 'foreign or equivalent organizations.' This landmark change allows for prosecution of activities related to the leakage of state secrets and advanced technologies not only to North Korea but also to allies, marking the first amendment of this law in 73 years. The implications of these legal changes could have widespread repercussions on civil rights and the balance between national security and judicial oversight in South Korea.