Kim Byung-ki Says 'Establishment of Special Court for Insurrection Cases Is Essential—To Be Pursued After President Lee's Return'

(Seoul=Yonhap Infomax) Nam Kyoung Hwang—Kim Byung-ki, floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressed internal party tensions over the establishment of a special court dedicated to insurrection cases, as party leadership called for a measured approach while hardline lawmakers pushed for swift action.

Speaking at the party’s Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on the morning of the 24th, Kim stated, “The establishment of a special court for insurrection cases is a given. It is the will of the people.”

Kim emphasized that the party has been meticulously preparing for the creation of the special court since the need was first raised. He added, “We will also push for legislation to restrict presidential pardons for those convicted of insurrection, so that such offenders cannot freely walk the streets after a short period.”

However, regarding the timing, Kim clarified, “We will proceed without delay once the President returns from his overseas trip.”

Calls for the establishment of the special court have intensified, particularly among members of the National Assembly’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee. During President Lee’s overseas trip, the party leadership has reiterated its intention to support the government in a low-key manner.

Party leaders, including Democratic Party Chair Jeong Cheong-rae and Floor Leader Kim Byung-ki, have recently clashed with hardline lawmakers over issues such as the establishment of the special court and the prosecution of so-called ‘dissenting prosecutors’.

The leadership aims to avoid domestic disputes overshadowing the achievements of President Lee’s overseas trip. In contrast, hardline lawmakers have called for the prompt establishment of the special court, especially after arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn and former Justice Minister Park Sung-jae—requested by the special prosecutor for insurrection—were recently dismissed.

Previously, on the 19th, Kim Yong-min, Democratic Party secretary of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, expressed frustration on the YouTube program ‘Maebul Show’, stating, “It is frustrating that the party leadership has not made a prompt decision regarding the special court for insurrection cases.”

nkhwang@yna.co.kr

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