"No Undue Interference from Political Power... Chief Justice Speaks Out on Blue House Conflict for the First Time

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated, "The rule of law can only be realized when courts are free from undue interference from other state organs or political powers."

Chief Justice Cho made the remarks during his commemorative address at the 12th "Judiciary Day of the Republic of Korea" ceremony held in the central hall on the second floor of the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu today (the 11th).

[Cho Hee-dae / Chief Justice of the Supreme Court: From the early days of the government's establishment, through the turbulent eras of industrialization and military regimes, and up to democratization, the independence of the judiciary has been constantly tested amid various pressures and interference.]

He went on to emphasize, "When the court, an independent state organ under the Constitution, conducts trials neutrally and fairly based solely on the Constitution and laws—free from undue interference or influence not only from other state organs, political powers, and social forces, but also from parties to litigation—it can fully guarantee the freedom and rights of the people and realize the rule of law."

He added, "Unwaveringly fulfilling this constitutional mission despite any difficulties is the unchanging responsibility bestowed upon the judiciary, which serves as the final bastion protecting the basic rights of the people."

Chief Justice Cho's remarks came amid an ongoing standoff between the Blue House and the Supreme Court over the nomination of Supreme Court justices.

Previously, on August 18th, Chief Justice Cho broke with convention—which requires reaching an agreement with the Blue House before making a nomination—and submitted a written nomination for Senior Judge Son Bong-ki of the Daegu District Court without prior agreement.

Ten days later, the Blue House demanded a re-nomination, stating that the nomination "lacked procedural completeness."

As a result, the Supreme Court is expected to soon release its position regarding the Blue House's demand for re-nomination.

Chief Justice Cho has continued to remain silent in response to reporters' questions on his way to work regarding the re-nomination of Supreme Court justices.

(Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.