Presidential Office Pressures Judiciary on Coup Anniversary, Demands 'Complete Eradication of Insurrection'

Marking the one-year anniversary of the declaration of martial law, the Presidential Office is intensifying pressure on the judiciary, emphasizing the 'complete eradication of the insurrection.' The ruling Democratic Party (DP) has denounced the rejection of former floor leader Choo Kyung-ho's arrest warrant as a 'judicial coup,' vowing judicial reform and signaling an escalation of conflict with the judicial branch. President Lee Jae-myung, in a special address to the nation on the first anniversary of the 'Revolution of Light,' designated December 3rd as National Sovereignty Day and urged the punishment of those involved in the pro-government coup. Furthermore, with the special prosecutor's investigation into the insurrection set to expire on December 14th, he raised the possibility of an additional special probe, further escalating pressure on the judiciary. The DP is vehemently protesting the rejection of Choo Kyung-ho's arrest warrant, labeling it a 'judicial coup.' DP Chairman Chung Cheong-rae has threatened to pursue the dissolution of the People Power Party as an unconstitutional party if Choo is convicted, and to launch a second special probe. DP Representative Jeon Hyun-hee claimed that the judiciary has betrayed the 'people's mandate to end the insurrection.'

The DP plans to begin processing judicial reform bills, including the abolishment of the National Court Administration, starting December 9th. It is also pressuring the judiciary by pushing through legislation in the Legislation and Judiciary Committee to establish a special court for insurrection cases and to punish the crime of judicial distortion. DP Floor Leader Kim Byung-gi stated that they will create a system to record and commemorate the 'Revolution of Light.' Meanwhile, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized discussions and public discourse on judicial system reform during a luncheon with the President. It has been confirmed that DP Deputy Floor Leader Moon Jin-seok sent a text message to Presidential Secretary Kim Nam-kook requesting a recommendation of a university junior to become the head of a private organization association. Secretary Kim reportedly replied to Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-shik and Deputy Chief of Staff Kim Hyun-ji, indicating he would recommend the individual. Ockcheon County has been additionally selected as a pilot region for the government's 'basic income for farmers and fishermen' program, and will provide residents with ₩150,000 per month in local currency for two years, starting in January.