On September 23, political parties continued their heated exchanges regarding Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's rejection of judicial appointments. The Democratic Party intensified its pressure on Cho by staging a protest at the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, interpreted as an effort to consolidate support ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
Led by Kim Min-seok, the Democratic Party strongly criticized Chief Justice Cho during a Supreme Council meeting held that day. Kim warned that the party would utilize all parliamentary methods to hold Cho accountable, stating, "Cho's unprecedented rejection of judicial appointments is fundamentally a disregard for the public and constitutes a dereliction of duty." He added, "We will investigate and seek legal accountability using all powers of the National Assembly."
Democratic Party lawmakers, including floor leader Han Byeong-do and Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Seo Young-kyo, visited the Supreme Court to demand the appointment of judicial candidates. Han pointed out that the rejection of appointments "denies the Constitution and disregards democratic legitimacy," asserting that if Cho's decision was politically motivated, he would not be qualified to serve as Chief Justice.
Seo emphasized that the Constitution mandates the President to appoint justices. She attempted to convey the party's call for judicial appointments directly to Chief Justice Cho, but the meeting did not materialize.
In contrast, the People Power Party also rallied its leadership, accusing the ruling party of pressuring Chief Justice Cho to appoint justices favorable to them, while asserting that the trial of President Lee Jae-myung should be resumed.
Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, expressed on Facebook that the Democratic Party is colluding with leftist groups to oust the Chief Justice, stating, "The Democratic Party's primary goal is to prevent Lee Jae-myung from going to prison. However, this will not stop the resumption of Lee's trial."
Floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik urged the swift submission of the appointment confirmation for the candidate recommended by Chief Justice Cho, Son Bong-ki, to the National Assembly, asserting, "The President pressured Cho to recommend a judge of his choosing, violating the Chief Justice's authority."
Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok emphasized, "The Constitution grants the President the power to appoint justices, but it does not allow for the selection of justices until a desired candidate emerges. The judiciary should not be a tool to absolve the President of his crimes."
Led by Kim Min-seok, the Democratic Party strongly criticized Chief Justice Cho during a Supreme Council meeting held that day. Kim warned that the party would utilize all parliamentary methods to hold Cho accountable, stating, "Cho's unprecedented rejection of judicial appointments is fundamentally a disregard for the public and constitutes a dereliction of duty." He added, "We will investigate and seek legal accountability using all powers of the National Assembly."
Democratic Party lawmakers, including floor leader Han Byeong-do and Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Seo Young-kyo, visited the Supreme Court to demand the appointment of judicial candidates. Han pointed out that the rejection of appointments "denies the Constitution and disregards democratic legitimacy," asserting that if Cho's decision was politically motivated, he would not be qualified to serve as Chief Justice.
Seo emphasized that the Constitution mandates the President to appoint justices. She attempted to convey the party's call for judicial appointments directly to Chief Justice Cho, but the meeting did not materialize.
In contrast, the People Power Party also rallied its leadership, accusing the ruling party of pressuring Chief Justice Cho to appoint justices favorable to them, while asserting that the trial of President Lee Jae-myung should be resumed.
Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, expressed on Facebook that the Democratic Party is colluding with leftist groups to oust the Chief Justice, stating, "The Democratic Party's primary goal is to prevent Lee Jae-myung from going to prison. However, this will not stop the resumption of Lee's trial."
Floor leader Jeong Jeong-sik urged the swift submission of the appointment confirmation for the candidate recommended by Chief Justice Cho, Son Bong-ki, to the National Assembly, asserting, "The President pressured Cho to recommend a judge of his choosing, violating the Chief Justice's authority."
Chief Spokesperson Choi Eun-seok emphasized, "The Constitution grants the President the power to appoint justices, but it does not allow for the selection of justices until a desired candidate emerges. The judiciary should not be a tool to absolve the President of his crimes."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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