"Remaining judicial reform: Introduce AI judges, review legislation"... Democratic Party furious over Oh Se-hoon's acquittal

Choi Minhee says she will consider a bill to introduce AI judges
Kim Minseok: "Oh Se-hoon's acquittal raises the risk of political brokers interfering in elections"
Ruling Party: "Parliamentary investigation, impeachment and other measures under rev

"We will begin preparing a bill today to introduce AI judges."

Choi Minhee, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, made the remarks on the 26th at a party Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly, criticizing the appellate court ruling in Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's case under the Political Funds Act. Choi said, "I believe the remaining judicial reforms, including the proposed abolition of the National Court Administration, should include the introduction of AI judges. I will examine the matter carefully and prepare a bill."

Referring to the ruling in Mayor Oh's case, handed down by the Seoul High Court on Oct. 23, which said that the principle of giving the defendant the benefit of the doubt should be considered, she rebuked the court, asking, "Why is this fundamental principle of South Korea's criminal law not applied to ordinary people, but only to Mayor Oh?"

Jeon Yong-gi, a Democratic Party Supreme Council member, said, "I strongly support the introduction of AI judges in political cases, as proposed by Supreme Council member Choi." Jeon criticized the use of legal tactics in trials, saying, "If the use of legal tactics in trials is a problem that has drawn criticism, then it is the legal tactics wielded by state power that must be held accountable."

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, delivers opening remarks at a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly on Oct. 26, 2026. Photo by Yoon Dongju

Democratic Party leader Kim Minseok also commented on the ruling in Mayor Oh's case that day, saying, "There was someone who gave the money and someone who received it, yet the person who benefited the most was not held responsible at all. If this ruling stands, third-party channels will be used to circumvent restrictions on political contributions on a widespread scale. The risk of political brokers distorting and manipulating the public will, as well as election interference through opinion polls, has also increased."

Kim said, "What is even more concerning is the politicization of the courts," adding, "Former President Yoon Suk Yeol and Mayor Oh both had their first-trial convictions overturned and were acquitted by the same panel in their appeals over the free provision of opinion polls by Myung Tae-kyun. The public's serious criticism that the courts are making political judgments rather than applying the law must be taken to heart."

Han Byung-do, the Democratic Party's floor leader, said, "If a donor's money was passed to a broker and opinion poll results concerning a candidate were shared with the campaign, shouldn't that connection be investigated thoroughly?" He pointed out, "If things continue this way, third-party payments will become a pass to evade the Political Funds Act." Han added, "I hope the Supreme Court will rigorously review the evaluation of evidence and application of the law, and correct the errors in the appellate ruling," and said, "The Democratic Party will also clarify accountability for third-party payments and pursue legislative improvements to strengthen the effectiveness of the Political Funds Act."

Han Min-soo, a Democratic Party Supreme Council member, said, "I believe we can no longer stand by while the judiciary under Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is ruining the judicial branch and causing suffering to the people. Our party must promptly decide whether to impeach Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae."

After the Supreme Council meeting, Park Sung-joon, the Democratic Party's chief spokesperson, said, "Many voices called for the party to unite and rally its full strength over Chief Justice Cho's political interference and the issue of constitutional order." He added, "The party's floor leadership is reviewing the matter of a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho, his impeachment, and a special counsel bill on fabricated indictments." Park said, "I understand that the floor leadership has prepared and completed its review of the parliamentary investigation, impeachment, and special counsel bills."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.