The Democratic Party of Korea criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on September 22 for rejecting a request from the Blue House to nominate a Supreme Court justice, calling it "a disregard for the head of the executive branch and a judicial coup." Members of the party's National Assembly Judiciary Committee vowed to investigate the matter during the upcoming national audit.
During a budget policy meeting at Incheon City Hall, party leader Kim Min-seok described Cho as "an absurd Chief Justice." He argued, "The constitutional basis is very clear. Where else could there be a basis for the president's power to appoint Supreme Court justices? Is it constitutional when he does it, but unconstitutional when the president does?"
Floor spokesperson Lee Joo-hee also spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, stating, "Cho's expression of opposition to the Blue House's request is one of the worst moves possible," and criticized him for disregarding the spirit of consultation and respect between constitutional institutions. Lee pointed out that Cho had met with President Lee Jae-myung the day before, labeling the rejection as a "surprise notification." She emphasized, "This is a disregard for the head of the executive branch elected by the people."
Spokesperson Lee Yong-woo condemned Cho's rejection of the nomination request, asserting that it revealed "an imperial judicial authority." He called for Cho's resignation, stating, "The Chief Justice, who has denied the president's appointment power while allowing a judicial vacuum that causes significant harm to the public, is no longer qualified to hold that position."
Democratic Party members, including Judiciary Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo, committee member Kim Ui-gyeom, and committee members Kim Gi-pyo, Kim Dong-a, and Lee Seong-yoon, held an emergency press conference, labeling the incident a "judicial coup."
They stated, "This directly denies the president's constitutional appointment power while violating the Chief Justice's political neutrality and the judiciary's obligation to remain apolitical. Judicial independence is a concept for ensuring the independence of trials and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, not a shield for the judiciary to escape democratic oversight."
They added, "The president's appointment power being undermined by the Chief Justice of a non-elected body does not align with the principles of democratic legitimacy," and criticized the timing of Cho's rejection as a failure to fulfill basic duties to the public.
Kim Ui-gyeom remarked, "I believe this is a very bad method that goes beyond common sense and amounts to a rebellion," while Kim Gi-pyo asserted that the Supreme Court is engaging in political struggles under the guise of judicial independence.
In response, Democratic lawmakers plan to summon Chief Justice Cho to the national audit next month to clarify the situation. The Judiciary Committee voted to designate Cho as a witness for the hearing on October 6, led by the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party announced plans for a general meeting and a condemnation rally regarding Cho's rejection of the judicial nomination, aiming to explore responses at the party level and pressure for his resignation.
During a budget policy meeting at Incheon City Hall, party leader Kim Min-seok described Cho as "an absurd Chief Justice." He argued, "The constitutional basis is very clear. Where else could there be a basis for the president's power to appoint Supreme Court justices? Is it constitutional when he does it, but unconstitutional when the president does?"
Floor spokesperson Lee Joo-hee also spoke to reporters at the National Assembly, stating, "Cho's expression of opposition to the Blue House's request is one of the worst moves possible," and criticized him for disregarding the spirit of consultation and respect between constitutional institutions. Lee pointed out that Cho had met with President Lee Jae-myung the day before, labeling the rejection as a "surprise notification." She emphasized, "This is a disregard for the head of the executive branch elected by the people."
Spokesperson Lee Yong-woo condemned Cho's rejection of the nomination request, asserting that it revealed "an imperial judicial authority." He called for Cho's resignation, stating, "The Chief Justice, who has denied the president's appointment power while allowing a judicial vacuum that causes significant harm to the public, is no longer qualified to hold that position."
Democratic Party members, including Judiciary Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo, committee member Kim Ui-gyeom, and committee members Kim Gi-pyo, Kim Dong-a, and Lee Seong-yoon, held an emergency press conference, labeling the incident a "judicial coup."
They stated, "This directly denies the president's constitutional appointment power while violating the Chief Justice's political neutrality and the judiciary's obligation to remain apolitical. Judicial independence is a concept for ensuring the independence of trials and the protection of citizens' fundamental rights, not a shield for the judiciary to escape democratic oversight."
They added, "The president's appointment power being undermined by the Chief Justice of a non-elected body does not align with the principles of democratic legitimacy," and criticized the timing of Cho's rejection as a failure to fulfill basic duties to the public.
Kim Ui-gyeom remarked, "I believe this is a very bad method that goes beyond common sense and amounts to a rebellion," while Kim Gi-pyo asserted that the Supreme Court is engaging in political struggles under the guise of judicial independence.
In response, Democratic lawmakers plan to summon Chief Justice Cho to the national audit next month to clarify the situation. The Judiciary Committee voted to designate Cho as a witness for the hearing on October 6, led by the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party announced plans for a general meeting and a condemnation rally regarding Cho's rejection of the judicial nomination, aiming to explore responses at the party level and pressure for his resignation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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