Seoul: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung voiced firm support for his ruling Democratic Party’s (DP) efforts to introduce sweeping judicial reforms, urging the nation to move past political resistance and embrace change.
Speaking at a Cabinet meeting, Lee acknowledged that attempts to “improve and rectify irrationalities” in society inevitably spark conflict. “Only when this is overcome is there change,” he said. “That, indeed, is reform.”
The DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has been pushing a set of controversial bills aimed at increasing accountability within the judiciary. One proposed law seeks to punish judges and prosecutors who intentionally distort facts or legal interpretations in cases under trial or investigation. Another measure aims to establish a special tribunal to handle matters related to insurgencies linked to former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law declaration.
Both initiatives have triggered significant political and judicial pushback, with critics warning of potential overreach and threats to institutional independence.
Addressing the contentious debate, President Lee remarked, “Change is bound to result in gains for some and losses for others. Reform is not reform if there is no opposition or conflict.” He added that legislative efforts must move forward “in a reasonable manner” while respecting the public’s expectations, guided by common-sense values.
Lee also touched on the issue of religious groups alleged to be involved in political interference or illegal financial operations—remarks seen as a veiled criticism of the Unification Church and its suspected ties to the previous Yoon administration.
Questioning Minister of Government Legislation Cho Won-cheol, Lee sought clarity on steps to legally dissolve religious organizations found to engage in systematic wrongdoing. Cho responded that dissolution is legally possible if such groups are proven to have repeatedly committed serious and organized crimes.
The minister assured that a detailed report will be prepared, with Lee indicating that he will continue to monitor the matter closely.
