The Democratic Party of Korea strongly criticized the courts for opposing judicial reform measures, including increasing the number of Supreme Court justices, saying "judicial reform is something the judiciary brought upon itself." In particular, it directly mentioned Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and urged an apology and resignation over alleged political meddling.
On the 13th, Party Leader Jeong Cheong-rae wrote on Facebook, "Wasn't it the judiciary that first started the engine on judicial reform and brought it on itself? You reap what you sow," and said, "Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is especially the problem." Citing the Supreme Court's decision in May to remand President Lee's Public Official Election Act case with a guilty intent, he asked, "Is the arrogance of saying a presidential candidate could be swapped out the independence of the judiciary?"
Jeong also hit back at People Power Party Leader Jang Dong-hyeok, who criticized his remarks as an "attempt to annihilate the judiciary," saying, "It was Yoon Suk-yeol who annihilated the judiciary," and added, "Let defendant for insurrection Yoon Suk-yeol first properly stand trial." He also cited the "Noh Sang-won notebook" and comments by Rep. Song Eon-seok, adding, "Those who threatened and insulted the public must apologize first."
Lawmakers in the party joined in. Special Committee on Judicial Reform Chairperson Baek Hye-ryeon said, "Judicial reform is the task of the times," and emphasized, "We will keep running with the people without stopping." Rep. Kang Deuk-gu pointed to the judge who decided to release former President Yoon Suk-yeol by raising the issue of calculating his detention period, criticizing, "When judges like this talk about judicial independence, it's laughable." He continued, "Chief Justice Cho must apologize for election interference and political rulings and step down on his own."
Kang also said, "Those who stayed silent about insurrection and state capture during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration are now engaging in collective action, fearing their power may be reduced," and emphasized, "The courts are not a sanctuary. Establishing a special tribunal for insurrection is absolutely necessary."