Kim Byunggi: "Special Tribunal for Insurrection Is Necessary... Breach of Trust Law Should Be Abolished"

On Claims of Unconstitutionality: "Premature Discussion," Calls for Substantial Deliberation
Personally Supports Abolishing Criminal Breach of Trust
Government Organization Act Amendment to Be Addressed in September, Aiming for January Implementation

Kim Byunggi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on the 2nd that he "personally believes it is necessary" to establish a special tribunal for insurrection, which is the main focus of the Special Act on Insurrection.

During the press briefing for the 2025 regular session of the National Assembly held at the National Assembly on this day, Floor Leader Kim expressed his view that a special tribunal is needed for the insurrection trial involving former President Yoon Suk-yeol and others. Regarding some claims that the special tribunal for insurrection is unconstitutional, he said, "That is premature," and added, "Such a decision should be made after considerable discussion." The establishment of a special tribunal for insurrection is an issue to which the judiciary has publicly expressed opposition.

Regarding the background to the calls for a special tribunal for insurrection, he said, "In short, the judiciary appears unstable," and added, "If those in the political sphere who are paying attention feel uneasy, how must the public feel?" Floor Leader Kim stated, "Concerns that the insurrection trial may be mishandled are growing, especially after observing the conduct of Judge Ji Guyoun and the subsequent dismissals of arrest warrants. The judiciary itself has provided the basis for these concerns," and continued, "In this context, we should first determine whether a special tribunal for insurrection is necessary, and then consider its constitutionality. That is the proper order."

Kim Byunggi, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is holding a press briefing for the 2025 regular session of the National Assembly on September 2nd at the National Assembly. 2025.9.2 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding the ongoing discussions on amending the criminal breach of trust law as a follow-up to the revision of the Commercial Act, Floor Leader Kim, speaking in a personal capacity, expressed his support for abolishing the law. He said, "Punishing even managerial decision-making is not in line with global trends," and added, "Although there are differing opinions on the extent of the amendment and no consensus has been reached, I personally believe it should be abolished."

On the amendment to the Government Organization Act, which is currently being discussed by the government and the Democratic Party, he said, "We will handle it in September," and explained, "After a policy general meeting on the 3rd and a legislative hearing and full session of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 4th, we will continue in-depth discussions through further consultations between the party and the government." Regarding the timing of the implementation of the Government Organization Act, he commented, "It is likely to take effect in January," but added, "This may vary depending on the bill. For newly established agencies and the like, it could be addressed through supplementary provisions."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.