It can’t be helped

Tensions are rising between Korea’s ruling Democratic Party and the judiciary after Chief Justice Jo Hee-de expressed concerns about the recently passed judicial reform package. Party leader Jung Chung-rae publicly urged Jo to resign, accusing him of leading resistance to reform, while some pro-government lawmakers have even discussed impeachment. The reforms include expanding the number of Supreme Court justices, introducing a constitutional complaint system and creating a new offense of distorting the law. Critics say the pressure on the chief justice risks undermining judicial independence and deepening political confrontation between the legislative and judicial branches. [PARK YONG-SEOK]