DP Floor Leader Han Byung‑do Pushes Judicial Overhaul, Insurrection End Before Feb 19 Verdict
Updated (3 articles)
Han Byung‑do’s Policy Speech Targets Judicial Reform On Feb 3, 2026, Democratic Party floor leader Han Byung‑do addressed the National Assembly, pledging sweeping judicial reforms and an end to the Dec. 3 martial‑law insurrection, framing these moves as essential for restoring stability and public confidence [1]. He presented the reforms as a core component of his policy speech delivered during a plenary session in Seoul [1]. The speech linked the reforms directly to the party’s broader agenda of national recovery [1].
Prosecutorial Power Separation Central to Reform Agenda Han reiterated the DP’s commitment to split the prosecution’s investigative and indictment functions, arguing that separation is necessary to curb the agency’s outsized influence [1]. He described the current system, where prosecutors hold both powers, as a barrier to accountability [1]. The proposal signals a significant shift from existing legal structures [1].
Investigation of Unresolved Allegations Remains Priority Han called for a thorough probe into issues left unanswered by three special‑counsel investigations, including former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial‑law bid, corruption allegations involving former first lady Kim Keon Hee, and the 2023 death of a Marine [1]. He argued these matters require further scrutiny to ensure full accountability [1]. The demand underscores the DP’s push for comprehensive legal examination [1].
DP Predicts Maximum Sentences for Yoon and Allies Han warned that Yoon Suk Yeol, former Defense Minister Kim Yong‑hyun, and other figures linked to the Dec. 3 martial‑law declaration are unlikely to avoid the maximum sentence when the court issues its verdict on Feb 19 [1]. This statement reflects the party’s expectation of a harsh judicial outcome [1]. It highlights the ongoing legal proceedings stemming from the martial‑law episode [1].
Economic Livelihood Emphasized Amid Political Turmoil Han asserted that the Lee Jae Myung administration must prioritize citizens’ livelihoods, linking the end of the insurrection to the restoration of economic well‑being [1]. He positioned the DP’s agenda as a direct response to recent political instability [1]. The emphasis on economic issues aims to resonate with public concerns [1].
Timeline
Dec 3, 2023 – Former President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, an action later deemed an illegal insurrection attempt and becomes the focal point of upcoming judicial reforms and prosecutions [1].
2023 – A South Korean Marine dies under controversial circumstances, prompting calls for deeper investigation into unresolved allegations tied to the martial‑law episode [1].
Nov 2025 – President Lee Jae‑myung completes a four‑nation tour of the Middle East and Africa, setting the agenda for follow‑up measures discussed at a later dinner with DP leaders [3].
Dec 9, 2025 – President Lee hosts a dinner with DP Chair Jung Chung‑rae and floor leader Kim Byung‑ki, marking the first such gathering since August and using the meeting to address the parliamentary deadlock over judiciary reform bills, including a special tribunal for insurrection cases [3].
Dec 9, 2025 – At the dinner, President Lee urges DP leadership to advance key reform bills in a way that meets public expectations, emphasizing transparent legislation on special tribunals and punitive measures for judges and prosecutors who distort legal principles [2].
Feb 3, 2026 – DP floor leader Han Byung‑do delivers a policy speech in the National Assembly, pledging sweeping judicial reforms, separation of prosecutorial and indictment powers, and a complete end to the insurrection while warning that Yoon and allies face the maximum sentence at the upcoming verdict [1].
Feb 19, 2026 (expected) – The court is scheduled to issue its verdict on the martial‑law case; Han Byung‑do predicts that former President Yoon Suk‑yeol and former Defense Minister Kim Yong‑hyun will receive the maximum penalty, a decision that could reshape South Korea’s political and legal landscape [1].