The Corruption Investigation Agency (CINA) has begun an investigation into Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae following allegations of abuse of power related to the controversial nomination of Supreme Court justices.
According to legal sources on September 1, CINA assigned the case, filed by the citizen group Citizen Action for Judicial Justice (CAJJ) on August 25, to its Special Investigation Division (led by Chief Prosecutor Na Chang-soo) on August 27.
CAJJ claims that Cho disregarded established practices by unilaterally nominating Supreme Court Justice candidate Son Bong-ki, thereby obstructing the president's authority to appoint justices.
The group also accused Cho of neglecting his duties, stating, "Cho has failed to recommend a successor to former Justice Noh Tae-ack to the president for over seven months without justifiable reasons, thereby intentionally neglecting his responsibilities."
Previously, on August 18, Cho submitted a written nomination to President Lee Jae-myung for Son Bong-ki (60, 22nd Judicial Research and Training Institute) and Kim Sung-soo (57, 24th) as successors to former Justices Noh Tae-ack and Lee Heung-gu.
Typically, the nomination process involves prior coordination, with the Chief Justice personally presenting the candidates to the president.
This unilateral notification has sparked controversy, particularly among ruling party members, who have described it as an unprecedented action in constitutional history.
On August 28, the Blue House effectively rejected Cho's written nominations, signaling a demand for re-nomination.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.