Can South Korea Be Called a Nation Ruled by Law Today?

 Can South Korea Be Called a Nation Ruled by Law Today?

 

            Gazing upon the recent spree of legislative overreach taking place in the National Assembly of South Korea, one cannot shake off the chilling sense of crisis that the very foundation of this nation is being uprooted. The core of liberal democracy lies in the Rule of Law, the principle that no one, absolutely no one, is above the law. This principle is precisely the last line of defense guaranteeing the freedom and rights of the people. However, the two bills currently being pushed—the Establishment of a Special Tribunal for Insurrection and the Crime of Judicial Distortion—are not mere legislative activities. They represent the most powerful and blatant attempt to turn South Korea into a 'dictatorial state ruled by law,' where power weaponizes legislation to purge opponents and control the populace. We must not avert our eyes from this fatal tide of change.

            The heart of the problem lies in the insidious methods being used to abolish the independence of the judiciary. First, the 'Special Tribunal for Insurrection' conceals the seed of dictatorship beneath the plausible pretext of swiftly and fairly processing specific cases. This bill allows a committee, recommended by the majority party in the National Assembly and specific affiliated groups, to select the judges. Isn't this akin to 'match-fixing' in sports, where one team ensures a favorable ruling by handpicking the referees? This is nothing short of a modern rendition of the People's Courts that communist states established throughout history to eliminate opposition. It is an undisguised intent to turn the judicial system into a factory for order-producing verdicts that align only with the ruling power's taste.

            Even more serious is the so-called 'Crime of Judicial Distortion.' While this law, which punishes judges for distorting the law in their rulings, wears a sweet mask of justice, a 'letter of intimidation' directed at the judiciary is concealed within it. What, fundamentally, constitutes the standard for 'distorting the law'? Who sets this criterion? It is clear that it will ultimately be the majority party, leveraging their numerical superiority, and their supporting factions.

            Even if a judge renders a fair verdict based purely on legal principles and conscience, if that ruling goes against the political power's will, the path is opened to immediately slap them with the charge of 'judicial distortion,' prosecute them, and send them to jail. This law sends an unequivocal message to conscientious judges: "If you rule against our will, you will not be spared." As a result, honest judges will be forced out of their robes, leaving the courts populated only by unrighteous political judges who constantly look over their shoulder at the ruling power. The moment the judiciary becomes the handmaiden of political power, the freedom and justice of that nation are inevitably terminated. Look at communist and socialist states!

            The values we must uphold and defend are clear. Judgment belongs to God, and judges must not fear the face of men or the influence of power. They must fear only Justice and Conscience. As Psalm 94:20 states, forces are now rampant in South Korea that advocate for those who 'frame disaster by statute' (or law). While they outwardly preach 'reform,' they are actually waging a Lawfare, using the sword of the law to subvert the liberal democratic system. If we remain silent here, it is self-evident that this sword will first be turned toward the Church and toward every saint and citizen who dares to speak the truth.

            It is time for us to awaken from our slumber. As commanded in Deuteronomy, we must not sit idly by; we must "follow justice and justice alone"—actively pursue and chase justice like a hunter pursues prey. The opposing forces are so zealous in creating wicked laws; should we, who are entrusted with the truth, merely stand and watch the collapse of God's public justice? It is time to strive through vigilant prayer to see these wicked bills defeated and to fulfill our role as watchmen, protecting this nation's judiciary and liberal democracy through action. Whether South Korea can remain a true nation ruled by law or not is now in our hands. Let us stay awake through prayer!