▲ Park Young-jae, head of the National Court Administration, attends a meeting of chief judges nationwide at the Supreme Court in southern Seoul on Feb. 25, 2026. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)

(LEAD) top court-judicial reform

(LEAD) Chief judges express 'grave concern' over DP-led judicial reform bills

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SEOUL, Feb. 25 (Yonhap) -- The heads of district courts nationwide on Wednesday expressed "grave concern" over controversial judicial reform bills pushed by the ruling Democratic Party (DP), including a proposal to introduce a new crime of "legal distortion" and to allow constitutional appeals in court cases.

"We express grave regret over the current situation in which the bills have been referred to the plenary session without sufficient public discussion and deliberation, despite concerns raised by the judiciary," according to an official statement released after a meeting of chief judges.

The meeting was convened in response to three DP-led bills that have faced strong opposition from the judiciary. It was chaired by Park Young-jae, head of the National Court Administration.

The three bills seek to establish a new offense of "legal distortion," allow constitutional appeals of court rulings and increase the number of Supreme Court justices from the current 14 to 26.

The chief judges said the proposed legislation could bring fundamental changes to the judicial system and have a significant impact on the public.

They also warned of possible adverse consequences even if amendments are considered.

"Even with revisions, the elements constituting the crime remain abstract, which could excessively expand the scope of punishment, and penalty provisions may also lead to an abuse of complaints and accusations, resulting in serious side effects," the statement said.

Park earlier said the opinions of the judiciary should be reflected in deliberations.

"During the bills' deliberation process, there is a need to reflect the opinions of the judiciary, which directly handles trials," Park, who also serves as a Supreme Court justice, said in the meeting's opening remarks.

The gathering was aimed at discussing the judiciary's response to the bills, which await a vote at parliament.

The DP seeks to introduce the bill on "legal distortion" offense during a plenary session Wednesday.

Under the bill, judges or prosecutors can be punished with a maximum prison term of 10 years if they intentionally apply wrong legislation in cases, destroy, conceal or tamper with evidence, or recognize criminal acts without evidence.

The judiciary has voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that the proposed offense is based on subjective elements and that the bill, if passed, could undermine its independence.

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