Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung called Tuesday for overcoming resistance to reforms, signaling his support for the ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s push to pass a set of controversial bills on reforming the judiciary. Lee made the remark during a Cabinet meeting, saying conflict and resistance are "inevitable" in the process of improving and correcting the "irrationalities" of society. "Only when this is overcome, is there change," he said. "That, indeed, is reform."

According to Yonhap News Agency, the DP, which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has been pushing for legislation that would punish judges and prosecutors for intentionally distorting legal principles or manipulating facts in a case under trial or investigation. The party has also sought to pass a bill on creating a special tribunal to handle insurrection cases stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed imposition of martial law. Both initiatives have been met with resistance among the opposition and the judiciary.

Lee emphasized during the meeting at the presidential office that "Change is bound to result in gains for some and losses for others," and reiterated that "Reform without resistance and conflict is not reform. If this can't be done, what can be done?" He acknowledged differing opinions on legislation but insisted that any bill could be passed in a "reasonable manner" while respecting the people's will based on common sense and principles.

In addition to judicial reforms, Lee revisited the topic of dissolving religious groups, apparently targeting the Unification Church for its alleged corrupt ties to the former Yoon administration. He queried Minister of Government Legislation Cho Won-cheol on whether he had reviewed measures to dissolve religious groups found interfering in politics or providing illegal funds. Cho responded that dissolution is legally possible when groups have continuously engaged in organized and serious illegal acts. Lee concluded by stating he would follow up on the issue, to which Cho replied he would report back in detail.