The Democratic Party of Korea has finalized the legislation of three judicial reform laws, known collectively as the 'Judicial 3 Laws,' following a protracted filibuster in the National Assembly. This legislative push comes in light of widespread public distrust towards the judiciary under Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, signaling a pivotal moment in Korea's ongoing judicial reform discussions. Key aspects of the laws include the introduction of penalties for legal distortion and an increase in the number of Supreme Court justices, reflecting the Democratic Party's commitment to overhaul the judicial system amid calls from their support base.

On the 28th, the National Assembly voted to gradually expand the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26 over the next three years, a move that has stirred considerable controversy. Proponents argue that with the annual caseload of Supreme Court appeals ranging from 30,000 to 40,000, an increase in justices is necessary to manage case backlogs effectively. Meanwhile, the opposition People Power Party has condemned the measures as an attempt to consolidate power within the judiciary, particularly as President Lee Jae-myung would have significant influence over the appointment of justices during his term.

With this legislation, the Democratic Party aims to address not only the internal challenges of the judiciary but also broader issues such as public confidence in judicial fairness and accountability. Despite concerns from some legal circles about potential negative impacts on lower courts and the judicial process, the passage of these laws marks a significant step towards the Democratic Party's long-term goal of judicial reform that they believe is essential for restoring trust in the system and improving legal outcomes for the general public.