South Korea: Lee calls for overcoming resistance amid pushback against judicial reforms
Seoul, Dec. 9 – President Lee Jae‑Myung urged on Tuesday that resistance to reform must be overcome, signaling his backing of the ruling Democratic Party’s push to pass a bundle of disputed judiciary‑reform bills. He made the remark in a cabinet meeting, noting that conflict and resistance are “inevitable” when society seeks to correct its “irrationalities.” “Only when this is overcome, is there change,” he said. “That, indeed, is reform.”
The DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, wants laws that would sanction judges and prosecutors who deliberately twist legal principles or manipulate facts in a trial or investigation, and it also aims to create a special tribunal to try insurrection cases linked to former President Yoon Suk‑Yeol’s aborted martial‑law attempt. Both efforts have met opposition from the rest of the political debate and the judiciary.
Lee pointed out that change inevitably benefits some and harms others. “Reform without resistance and conflict is not reform. If this can’t be done, what can be done?” he asked. He acknowledged divergent opinions on the legislation but maintained that any bill could be passed “in a reasonable manner” while still respecting the people’s will, common sense, and core principles, according to Yonhap.
The president also revisited the issue of dissolving religious groups, specifically hinting at the Unification Church over its alleged corrupt ties to the former Yoon administration. He asked Minister Cho Won‑cheol of Government Legislation to examine measures aimed at dismantling religious groups that meddle in politics or funnel illicit funds. Cho replied that a dissolution is legally viable when such groups repeatedly engage in organized, serious illegal acts. Lee said he would follow up, and Cho committed to a detailed report.
int/jk/
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
