Choo’s insurrection trial begins amid political storm

Mar 26, 2026, 09:04 am

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Choo Kyung-ho, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, attended his first trial at the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho District, Seoul, on March 25, on charges related to alleged insurrection involvement. / Joint Press Corps

The first trial of Choo Kyung-ho, a lawmaker from the People Power Party accused of involvement in an alleged insurrection, began Wednesday, raising the possibility of a petition to dissolve the party if he is found guilty.

The Seoul Central District Court held the first hearing on charges that Choo interfered with a National Assembly vote to lift martial law declared on Dec. 3, 2024. At the time, Choo was serving as the ruling party’s floor leader.

Prosecutors allege that Choo repeatedly changed the venue of a party meeting from the National Assembly to the party headquarters, effectively obstructing lawmakers from participating in the vote.

The key issues in the trial are causality and intent — whether the venue changes actually prevented lawmakers from voting and whether Choo was aware of and intended that outcome.

Legal experts say the case could have far-reaching political implications. If Choo is convicted, discussions could intensify over filing a petition with the Constitutional Court to dissolve the party on grounds of violating the democratic order.

Under Article 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the government may request the Constitutional Court of Korea to dissolve a political party if its purpose or activities undermine democratic principles. A ruling requires at least six out of nine justices to approve the dissolution.

The only precedent is the 2014 dissolution of the Unified Progressive Party, which the court found had sought to overthrow the liberal democratic system.

However, legal experts caution that dissolving a party requires proof of systemic and organizational involvement, not merely individual misconduct. Factors such as whether party members acted independently or under direction will be crucial.

Some observers have also criticized the prosecution as politically motivated ahead of the June 3 local elections. Choo himself claimed the indictment was an attempt to brand the party as unconstitutional and undermine conservative forces.

The court is expected to deliver a first-instance verdict by late May or early June, in line with a special prosecution law requiring a ruling within six months of indictment.

#Choo Kyung-ho #People Power Party #insurrection charges #Seoul Central District Court