Democratic Party Urges Chief Justice Cho to Retract Justice Nominations

Members of the Democratic Party’s Legislation and Judiciary Committee called on Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to withdraw the 'appointment proposals' for two justice candidates—the procedure of requesting the President to make appointments—warning of follow-up actions such as revising the Court Organization Act if he refuses. The DPK lawmakers stated their position regarding the Chief Justice's nominations while meeting with reporters on the sidelines of the party workshop at the Inspire Hotel in Yeongjong District, Incheon, on August 28.

The Democratic Party had previously criticized the 'imperial powers of the Chief Justice' and signaled its intention to amend the Court Organization Act.

Kim Seung-won, the DPK’s floor leader on the Judiciary Committee, relayed that during a subcommittee meeting the day prior, members concluded it would be advisable for Chief Justice Cho to voluntarily withdraw the nominations for the two current candidates before the Act is amended. He noted that nominations for the remaining three candidates should be resubmitted following consultation with President Lee Jae-myung. Kim further stated that if the Chief Justice refuses to comply with the withdrawal demand, the party will proceed with subsequent steps—including the adoption of witness testimony and the concrete drafting of the Court Organization Act revision—during the committee session on the 31st.