▲ Floor Leader Han Byung-do of the Democratic Party of Korea speaks during a parliamentary audit strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on October 27.
As a hearing on an additional arrest warrant for Kim Keon-hee continues today (October 27), the Democratic Party of Korea is keeping a close eye on the court's decision.
This comes as former President Yoon Suk Yeol and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon were recently acquitted in succession in appellate rulings related to the "Myung Tae-kyun opinion poll" case, intensifying calls from some within the party for the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
Floor Leader Han Byung-do said at a parliamentary audit strategy meeting today, "To cut to the chase, Kim Keon-hee's detention must continue," adding, "The court must strictly weigh the gravity of the crimes and concerns over the destruction of evidence to issue an additional arrest warrant."
Referring to the appellate rulings on former President Yoon and Mayor Oh, Han pointed out, "A series of worrying signals have recently emerged from judicial rulings."
He continued, "Under these circumstances, if even Kim Keon-hee is released, which citizen could possibly trust the judiciary?" stressing, "The Supreme Court must issue an additional arrest warrant in accordance with the law and principles, and safeguard trust in the justice system through a rigorous trial."
Floor Spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo raised suspicions over deliberate delays in Kim's trial.
In a commentary, Jeon argued, "A sudden referral to the full bench just one day before the verdict, and a delayed ruling that exceeds legal deadlines and drags on until the expiration of the detention period—which citizen would believe this is mere coincidence?" adding, "It is only natural that suspicions are raised that the Supreme Court intentionally bought time to release Kim Keon-hee."
She continued, "The Supreme Court must issue an additional arrest warrant in accordance with the common sense of the public," saying, "That is the last chance to clear the public suspicions the Supreme Court brought upon itself."
She also placed the responsibility on Chief Justice Cho, stating, "If Kim Keon-hee is ultimately released, the responsibility lies entirely with Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, the head of the judiciary."
Senior Deputy Floor Leader for Operations Cheon Jun-ho criticized the conflict between Chief Justice Cho and Cheong Wa Dae over the re-recommendation of a Supreme Court justice at today's meeting, saying, "The head of the judiciary has personally undermined the checks and balances between constitutional institutions."
Amid these developments, the Democratic Party plans to hold a general meeting of lawmakers this afternoon to decide whether to push for a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho.
Floor Leader Han said, "The controversy over political interference and suspicions of abuse of power surrounding the head of the judiciary must be made crystal clear before the public," adding, "We will gather consensus at today's general meeting of lawmakers and report it to the public."
Earlier, regarding calls from some quarters for Chief Justice Cho's impeachment, Party Leader Kim Min-seok recently stated, "We will proceed step by step as originally planned, including a parliamentary investigation."
However, some within the party predict that if Kim Keon-hee is released without an additional warrant, hardline voices could surge, potentially shifting the Democratic Party rapidly toward pushing for Chief Justice Cho's impeachment.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
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