Judicial Integrity at Risk in South Korea: Key Allegations

Recently, the Commissioner General of the National Police Agency, Jeong Ho, disclosed during a special investigation that a sitting judge, who recently acquitted Lee Jae-myung, is on a list for potential arrest. This revelation has been met with grave criticism from various judicial authorities, who termed it a serious infringement on judicial independence and a threat to rule of law. The judge in question, presiding over Lee's case at the Seoul Central District Court, made headlines for his decision in a trial concerning accusations of perjury against Lee. Notably, this judge is also involved in other critical cases linked to Lee, stirring concerns that these actions could signify overreach by police authorities. Following Jeong's statement, the Supreme Court expressed alarm, denouncing any attempts to arrest sitting judges as a direct and severe threat to judicial autonomy. They underscored that such incidents must never occur. Additionally, the Seoul Central District Court shared their dismay, labeling these actions as serious violations of judicial independence and calling for immediate accountability and a thorough investigation into the matter. Meanwhile, the Special Investigation Headquarters is conducting inquiries with Military Brigade Commander Kim Jeong-geun regarding military interventions in electoral management that took place during emergencies. These developments highlight deepening anxieties over judicial integrity amid political maneuvering.