Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, speaks at a rally on the steps of the National Assembly in Seoul on March 3 opposing three judicial reform bills. Photo by Asia Today
March 3 (Asia Today) — The conservative People Power Party held a rally at the National Assembly on Monday opposing three judicial reform laws passed by the Democratic Party majority, then took its protest to the streets of Yeouido.
Lawmakers, party members and supporters gathered on the steps of the National Assembly, holding red placards reading “Stop destroying the separation of powers” and “President, veto the three judicial destruction bills.” Protesters chanted slogans calling for the defense of judicial independence and the constitutional order.
The rally targeted what the party calls the “three judicial bills” led by the Democratic Party, including measures creating a crime of judicial distortion, allowing constitutional complaints against court rulings and expanding the number of Supreme Court justices.
Floor leader Song Eon-seok said the legislation undermines the separation of powers, accusing the ruling party of using its majority to weaken the judiciary.
“We tried to block this in the National Assembly, but our strength was insufficient,” Song said. “The only power that can stop this is the power of the people.”
Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk urged supporters to unite ahead of upcoming local elections, saying victory is necessary to protect what he described as liberal democratic values. He called on participants to march in an orderly manner so that citizens could understand the urgency of the party’s position.
Following the rally, party lawmakers began a walking protest in Yeouido, demanding that the president exercise his authority to request reconsideration of the bills.
The governing Democratic Party criticized the move. Spokesperson Kim Hyun-jung questioned whether the march was a genuine public appeal or a protest staged for far-right online broadcasters, saying lawmakers should focus on legislative work instead of taking to the streets.
— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260303010000598