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March 4 (Asia Today) — A series of legislative proposals by South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party has sparked debate over judicial independence, as critics argue the measures could affect ongoing criminal cases involving President Lee Jae-myung.

The legislation includes proposals to expand the Supreme Court, introduce constitutional review of court rulings and abolish the crime of breach of trust. Legal experts say the bills, combined with calls to drop certain prosecutions, raise concerns that lawmakers could influence judicial proceedings.

Five criminal cases involving Lee are currently paused while he serves as president. As the National Assembly moves forward with legal revisions, some members of the legal community warn the changes could intersect with those trials.

National Assembly inquiry targets prosecution investigations

According to political sources, the Democratic Party has launched a parliamentary committee seeking a national investigation into what it calls politically motivated prosecutions under the previous administration.

The committee plans to examine several high-profile cases involving political figures, including the Daejang-dong development case and allegations involving transfers of funds to North Korea.

Party officials have also urged prosecutors to withdraw indictments in cases involving Lee.

The move has prompted criticism from legal observers who say the National Assembly should not interfere in criminal proceedings.

Judicial reform bills move quickly through parliament

The Democratic Party has advanced three major judicial reform bills in recent weeks.

The legislation would expand the number of Supreme Court justices from 14 to 26, allow the Constitutional Court to review final court rulings through a judicial complaint system and introduce a new criminal offense for officials who deliberately misapply the law in judicial decisions or investigations.

Supporters say the reforms are aimed at addressing structural issues within the judiciary.

However, some legal analysts say the proposals could alter the balance of power within the court system and influence the legal environment surrounding ongoing cases.

Breach of trust law could affect corruption cases

Another proposal under discussion involves abolishing the criminal offense of breach of trust, which has been used in several major corruption investigations.

If the law were repealed, legal experts say it could affect cases related to development projects in Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong as well as allegations involving misuse of a provincial government corporate credit card.

Under South Korean law, when a criminal statute is repealed after an alleged offense, courts may dismiss charges related to that statute.

Concerns raised over separation of powers

Some lawyers say the pace and scope of the legislative initiatives raise broader concerns about the balance between the legislative and judicial branches.

“The outcome of trials should be determined in court,” one attorney who previously served as a senior prosecutor said. “If lawmakers change laws in ways that directly affect ongoing cases, it raises questions about the separation of powers.”

Supporters of the legislation argue the reforms are necessary to improve accountability within the justice system.

Debate over the proposals is expected to continue as the National Assembly reviews the measures during the current parliamentary session.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260305010001168

One in four couples consider themselves incompatible travel partners, with disagreements over budgets, itineraries and even bedtimes – take this quiz to discover how compatible you are

One in four couples consider themselves incompatible travel partners, with tensions most likely to flare over budgets, itineraries – and even bedtimes. A survey of 2,000 people in a relationship found of the 89% who have travelled with their partner, 23% do not think they are well-matched in their preferences.

Only 28% think their partner ‘ticks all the boxes’ when it comes to travelling together. Among the top things couples disagree about when having a trip away were where to eat, what times to wake up and go to bed, and the budget. However, differences aren’t necessarily a relationship ender.

A quarter believe opposites attract as it helps prevent rows such as not wanting the same seat when using shared transport (43%) and prompts them to venture beyond their comfort zone (35%).

The study, commissioned by Railcard.co.uk, also revealed the benefits of travelling as a duo, including making memories together (57%), consistently having someone to talk with (47%) and building emotional bonds (36%).

Over half reckon it requires one to two journeys to determine if they are genuinely travel compatible with someone. Those who are in sync (77%) credit shared preferences around accommodation (60%), activities (48%) and budget (43%).

Uncover your ultimate travel compatibility score – take the quiz now.

Catherine Lyver from Railcard.co.uk said: “The study shows that travelling with a plus-one comes with its quirks – from debating who gets the window seat to discovering you have very different definitions of an ‘early start’.

“But that’s all part of the fun. Travelling together sparks the kind of conversations that help you learn more about each other and create the memories you laugh about later.

“And with a Two Together Railcard, couples, friends or relatives can save a third on their rail journey while enjoying quality time – even if it’s spent negotiating playlists.”

The research also revealed that despite nine in 10 believing travel compatibility matters, over half (51%) reckon compromise is crucial to a happy relationship.

Being more thoughtful of each other’s needs (34%) and discussing priorities before a trip (25%) are amongst some of the ways travellers have overcome differences with a companion.

Of the 30% who said a train journey is where they and their partner are most travel compatible, 55% viewed these trips as quality time together and 41% said it gives them a chance to catch up.

Catherine Lyver added: “This Valentine’s Day, it’s likely many couples will be travelling together for a day trip or night away.

“Why not make the train journey a part of the experience and make the most of the quality time together”.

TOP 10 THINGS COUPLES DISAGREE ABOUT WHEN TRAVELLING TOGETHER:

1. Where to eat
2. Time to wake up
3. Budget/cost
4. Length of a stay
5. Time to go to bed
6. Itineraries (e.g., how to fill the days)
7. Activities
8. Type of music to listen to
9. Time of day to travel
10. Sight-seeing plans