The Democratic Party of Korea launched a full-scale offensive against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on October 6, accusing him of deceiving the public with an irresponsible attitude by refusing to take an oath during a National Assembly legislative inspection. Party leader Kim Min-seok demanded Cho's resignation, stating, "If you are not honorable, resign as a symbol of honor."
During a Supreme Council meeting held on the morning of October 7, the Democratic Party criticized Cho's behavior during the previous day's inspection. Kim stated, "Rather than facing the embarrassment of refusing to take an oath and infringing upon the constitutional right of citizens to a fair trial, it is the last duty of a Chief Justice to resign if he cannot stand tall."
Floor leader Han Byeong-do pointed out that while Cho refused to take an oath, he actively issued a statement to clarify allegations against him. Han remarked, "He wants to enjoy the right to explain while refusing the responsibility to take an oath. The National Assembly inspection is not a place to selectively speak; it is a venue to answer questions on behalf of the people."
Han also rebutted Cho's claim that "the National Assembly and the President cannot interfere in the nomination of Supreme Court justices," stating, "The relevant provisions also stipulate the consent of the National Assembly and the appointment by the President. We cannot disregard the powers of the National Assembly and the President."
Lee Seong-yoon, a Supreme Council member from the National Assembly's Legislative and Judiciary Committee, criticized Cho for failing to explain the background of his refusal to take an oath, instead offering only a fallacious argument that he is above the Constitution. Lee stated, "Cho aims to monopolize the sole nomination power of Supreme Court justices, a remnant of the Yushin Constitution."
Supreme Council member Seo Mi-hwa added, "His past actions of overlooking insurrections after the December 3 emergency martial law and attempting to intervene in presidential elections show no remorse. When questioned if he dreams of being a 'second Yoon Seok-yeol,' he only expressed self-pity. His attempts to deflect the allegations regarding the misuse of operational expenses onto his staff were also quite revealing."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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