Ruling and Opposition Scuffle at Legislation Committee Over Oh Se-hoon's Acquittal and Cho Hee-de's Impeachment

The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee (a standing committee that reviews bills) clashed between ruling and opposition parties on the 26th during a government audit of the Supreme Court and other institutions, over the acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho Hee-de.

Democratic Party lawmakers took issue with the reasoning in the appeals court (second trial) acquittal of Mayor Oh in a political funds case, starting shortly after the session opened. Rep. Kim Ki-pyo said, "Looking at pages 80 and below of the ruling, the logic itself is jumbled—it hardly qualifies as a high court ruling," while committee chair Rep. Seo Young-kyo also pointed out, "The evidence is clear, so how does an acquittal make any sense?"

Cho Kyoung-pil, chief of the National Court Administration, responded that if there is a legal issue with the ruling, it can be corrected through the appeals system, adding that he could not comment on individual cases.

Shouting broke out along the way. Chair Seo told the other side's members, "There should be some decorum in an audit session," saying, "Would you be comfortable if I brought up talk that you've been going around seeking nominations from this place and that?"