Democratic Party plans to seek Cho Hee-dae's designation as a general witness for audit

The Democratic Party decided to seek Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's designation as a general witness for the legislation and judiciary committee's October 6 parliamentary audit. The aim is to prevent the customary departure after opening remarks on the first day; a key committee source said a vote to designate him as a general witness was planned for the 28th.

The Democratic Party criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's refusal to renominate a Supreme Court justice candidate. While some party members called for a renewed impeachment effort, the leadership plans first to question the constitutionality of the refusal at the October parliamentary audit.

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said at an emergency press conference at the National Assembly that the refusal to renominate was constitutional and the best choice available to the chief justice. The opposition argued that President Lee's request for renomination violated the Constitution.

People Power Party members of the legislation and judiciary committee urged President Lee to submit a motion seeking parliamentary consent to the appointment of Son Bong-gi, the Supreme Court justice candidate nominated by Chief Justice Cho.

Lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea, Rebuilding Korea Party and Progressive Party on the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on the 22nd for refusing a request to nominate a Supreme Court justice again. They called it a political act violating the judiciary's duty of political neutrality, while the Democratic Party side said it intended to discuss with party leaders whether to pursue impeachment.

The lawmakers cited Article 104(2) of the Constitution, which provides for nomination by the chief justice, parliamentary consent and appointment by the president. They argued that requesting a new nominee was a legitimate exercise of presidential appointment power, rebutting Cho's position that there were no constitutional grounds or reasons to justify it.

The Democratic Party requested that Cho appear as a witness at the judiciary committee's parliamentary audit in October. The lawmakers also said they intended to establish the facts of the matter during the audit.

Democratic Party criticizes Cho's nomination refusal, signals leadership talks on impeachment

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