Seoul, South Korea – Members of the People Power Party (PPP) staged a large-scale protest Wednesday against the recently passed judicial reform bills, dubbed the “judicial destruction laws” by the opposition. The demonstration culminated in a march to the former presidential office, Cheong Wa Dae, where lawmakers called on President Yoon Suk Yeol to exercise his veto power.
The controversial legislation – consisting of a law to punish the distortion of legal proceedings, the introduction of retrials, and an expansion of the Supreme Court – passed through the National Assembly last week, sparking immediate backlash from the PPP. Lawmakers argue the bills represent a dangerous overreach of power and a threat to the independence of the judiciary. The PPP views the laws as a move to protect opposition leader Lee Jae-myung from ongoing legal challenges.
The protest began at the National Assembly in Yeouido, with PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk and other party members embarking on a 9-kilometer march to Cheong Wa Dae. Despite initial plans for a rally, the demonstration was largely silent due to a lack of permit approval, with participants refraining from chanting slogans or displaying placards. According to The Kyunghyang Shinmun, the march was intended as a visible display of opposition to the laws.
At a rally held in front of Cheong Wa Dae’s Love House, Jang Dong-hyuk issued a strong condemnation of the legislation, stating it would pave the way for a “Lee Jae-myung dictatorship.” He urged President Yoon to “abandon the dream of long-term rule and safeguard the constitutional order by exercising his veto power” over the “judicial destruction laws.” SBS News reported on the leader’s strong words.
Lawmakers Voice Concerns Over Judicial Independence
The PPP’s opposition to the judicial reform bills is rooted in concerns that they will undermine the impartiality of the courts and politicize the legal system. Fourteen veteran legal professionals released a statement calling the laws “judicial destruction” and urging the President to veto them, KBS News reported. The party’s concerns center on the potential for the laws to be used to influence ongoing legal cases and to shield individuals from accountability.
Song Un-seok, the PPP’s floor leader, emphasized the need for a strong reveal of resolve, announcing plans for another march from the National Assembly to Cheong Wa Dae. The Chosun Ilbo reported that Song stated, “It is time to show our will.”
Internal Divisions and Public Perception
The PPP’s response to the judicial reform bills has not been without internal scrutiny. Some observers have noted a perceived lack of experience in large-scale protests within the party, with Daum News characterizing the march as revealing the party’s “wellness” image. The outlet suggested the demonstration lacked the intensity typically associated with major political protests.
Footage from a PPP event at the National Assembly, shared by OhmyNews, showed a chaotic scene with supporters chanting “Yoon Again,” highlighting the passionate, if sometimes unruly, support for the President and the party’s stance against the judicial reforms.
What to Expect Next
The focus now shifts to President Yoon Suk Yeol, who has the power to veto the legislation. The PPP is actively lobbying for him to do so, arguing that the bills pose a fundamental threat to the rule of law. The President’s decision is expected within the coming days, and will likely have significant implications for the political landscape in South Korea. The PPP has vowed to continue its opposition to the laws, regardless of the President’s decision, and is preparing for potential local elections in the near future.
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