It was belatedly reported that Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae returned all condolence money envelopes to mourners after holding his father's funeral.
Ahn Hong-ryul, an attorney and classmate of Chief Justice Cho from Seoul National University's College of Law, posted a message in a Seoul National University law school group chat today (the 30th), stating, "An etiquette officer from the Supreme Court personally visited my office and returned the condolence money envelopes just as they were received at the funeral."
Attorney Ahn explained, "Grateful for Chief Justice Cho's sincerity when he attended my father's funeral in the past, I went to pay my respects in person," adding, "I handed in condolence money at the reception desk, but received a call a few days later."
Chief Justice Cho reportedly also sent the directors of court administration offices to personally return the envelopes to individuals who sent condolence money from regional areas.
Previously, when his father passed away on August 30, Chief Justice Cho expressed his intention to decline outside mourners and hold a private family funeral, urging people within the court system as well, "Do not come to offer condolences under any circumstances."
However, as news of his father's passing became known belatedly, a procession of mourners followed not only from the legal community, but also from the political sphere, including then-Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Democratic Party Leader Kim Min-seok.
Although conflict between the judiciary and the Democratic Party had reached its peak due to the unprecedented situation of a "demand for re-nomination of Supreme Court Justices," guidelines were issued within the Democratic Party to "show proper courtesy" once news of Chief Justice Cho's father's passing was reported.
The Supreme Court stated, "At the time, we guided visitors at the reception desk that condolence money would not be accepted, but since there were mourners for other family members as well, some condolence money came in along with them," adding that all of these were returned through the Secretariat and other channels.
After finishing the funeral, Chief Justice Cho bowed his head on his way to work, saying, "We intended to hold it quietly among family members, but it suddenly became a fuss, and I am sorry to the public."
Reported by Lee Hyeon-yeong | Video by Seo Byeong-wook | Graphics by Lee Su-min | Produced by SBS Digital News
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