South Korea’s National Assembly on Tuesday passed legislation creating special tribunals to handle insurrection and treason cases linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration. The vote marked a major escalation in political confrontation and judicial reform debates.
The ruling Democratic Party of Korea pushed the bill through after ending a record-length opposition filibuster. Consequently, lawmakers approved the measure without support from the main opposition People Power Party.
Earlier, the Assembly voted 185 to 1 to terminate debate after more than 24 hours of continuous speeches. Immediately afterward, lawmakers moved to final passage of the bill. The legislation passed 175 to 2, with two abstentions, while most opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote. Only 179 of 298 lawmakers participated in the final tally.
The bill mandates the creation of at least two special tribunals at both the Seoul Central District Court and Seoul High Court. These courts will exclusively handle charges related to insurrection, rebellion, and treason. Lawmakers linked the cases directly to Yoon’s December 3, 2024, martial law declaration. That move triggered months of legal uncertainty and political fallout nationwide.
Initially, critics raised concerns about judicial independence under earlier drafts. Therefore, lawmakers revised the bill to remove provisions allowing outside involvement in judge selection.
Instead, the final version leaves judge appointments entirely within existing judicial procedures. Supporters argued this change strengthened constitutional safeguards. Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok led the filibuster alone for nearly 24 hours. As a result, he set the longest filibuster record in South Korea’s parliamentary history.
After concluding his speech, Jang urged President Lee Jae Myung to veto the legislation. He argued the bill threatened separation of powers. “If the president truly protects the Constitution, he must reject this law,” Jang told lawmakers. However, ruling party leaders rejected that argument.
Democratic Party spokesperson Moon Dae-lim said the bill protects courts from political pressure. Moreover, he dismissed claims of judicial interference as misleading. Following the vote, the ruling party immediately advanced another controversial proposal targeting online misinformation. Consequently, the opposition launched a new filibuster within minutes.
That bill seeks to revise the Information and Communications Network Act. Specifically, it targets false or manipulated online content distributed for profit. Opposition lawmakers warned the measure risks censorship and excessive penalties. They argued definitions remain vague and open to abuse.
In response, Democratic Party officials said revisions narrowed enforcement standards. They emphasized intent and demonstrable harm as legal thresholds. Under the proposal, violators could face punitive damages up to five times actual losses. Media outlets and online creators would fall under the law.
Meanwhile, analysts described the rapid legislative pace as unprecedented. They said the confrontations reflect deep political polarization ahead of key legal proceedings. Experts added that special tribunals could accelerate trials but intensify partisan conflict. Nevertheless, supporters insist the courts ensure accountability.
Looking ahead, President Lee’s response will shape the bill’s future. Until then, South Korea’s political standoff shows no signs of easing. The passage of special tribunals now stands as a defining moment in the country’s post-martial law reckoning.
