As calls for the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae arise within the Democratic Party, Seo Young-kyo, Chair of the Judiciary Committee, pointed out on August 21 that "Noh Kyung-pil, Director of Court Administration, may have asked each of the four nominees recommended by the selection committee about their willingness to resign."
In a phone interview with YTN Radio's 'Jang Sung-cheol's News Myung-dang,' Seo stated, "Noh must have discussed this with Chief Justice Cho."
Regarding Noh's clarification that he did not convey a request for resignation, Seo remarked, "What is the difference between saying the committee can be reconstituted and asking for resignations? It doesn't add up."
Seo also countered claims that the nomination is solely the Chief Justice's prerogative, asserting, "Recommending four candidates is not the Chief Justice's authority. The Chief Justice selects one from the nominees chosen by the committee, and the President appoints them with the National Assembly's consent." She emphasized that discussions should have occurred since the President holds the appointment power.
Additionally, Seo criticized Chief Justice Cho, stating, "He was appointed by former President Yoon Suk-yeol and attempted to disqualify candidates through a retrial before the 21st presidential election but failed. If it were during Yoon's administration, nominations would have been made immediately."
Seo also condemned Cho for convening an emergency meeting just one hour before the National Assembly lifted the state of emergency on December 3, discussing the transfer of jurisdiction to the emergency command.
Meanwhile, Representative Kim Min-seok took a cautious stance on the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho during a party meeting the previous day, stating that while impeachment is possible, greater public consensus is necessary.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.