The South Korean National Assembly is on the brink of passing an amendment that allows constitutional complaints against court rulings, which has sparked significant bureaucratic resistance led by Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
The South Korean National Assembly is nearing the passage of a constitutional amendment that would allow individuals to file complaints regarding court rulings, marking a significant shift in the judicial landscape. The ruling party, People Power Party, is struggling with internal conflicts and their efforts to filibuster against this amendment appear ineffective, as the process is expected to move forward within days. This amendment, if passed, would be the first time in 38 years that individuals could challenge judicial decisions in this manner, a move that opposition parties argue is essential for judicial reform.
Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae has actively opposed the introduction of this amendment, framing it as a potential source of harm to the public. In a recent conference with chief judges across the country, he reiterated concerns that allowing constitutional complaints could lead to delays in judicial processes, resulting in “national damage.” His remarks highlight a defensive stance from the judiciary, labeling the potential constitutional complaint framework as a
