Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party of Korea's presidential candidate, recently commented on a proposal made by party member Park Beom-gye to amend the law to allow non-lawyers to be appointed as Supreme Court justices, saying, "I am also a lawyer, but opening the door of the Supreme Court to non-legal professionals is not an easy task."
The candidate held a press briefing at the Democratic Party of Korea headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, that morning, stating, "It is also true that there is a need for fundamental measures because the Supreme Court has created situations that the public cannot reasonably accept."
He said, "This is a long-term task, and we cannot afford to dwell on it," adding, "This could lead to further division and conflict in national opinion."
He continued, "I have instructed my campaign to refrain from judicial controversies," saying, "Currently, there are many more pressing issues related to livelihoods, and it is undesirable for our focus to be dispersed."
He emphasized that, "While members can legislate independently as constitutional institutions based on their personal beliefs, such discussions can lead to misunderstandings, and political discussions may prevent us from doing what we need to do. Now is not the time for those discussions."
Earlier, Park Beom-gye, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker, recently proposed a bill to amend the Court Organization Act, which aims to increase the number of Supreme Court justices from the current 14 to 30 and to allow individuals without lawyer qualifications to become justices.