Ruling Party: "Chief Justice Cho's Refusal to Attend Audit Violates National Assembly Act"

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of the Supreme Court has reportedly indicated his refusal to comply with the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's request to appear as a witness in the parliamentary audit.

Representative Seo Young-kyo, chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, held a press conference at the National Assembly on Sunday (October 4), stating, "Ahead of the parliamentary audit of the Supreme Court on October 6, Chief Justice Cho submitted a written statement regarding the summons request, stating that it is difficult for him to appear and testify as a witness."

Seo criticized the refusal, saying, "Every time the National Assembly asks for explanations regarding pending judicial matters, (Chief Justice Cho) repeatedly refuses to attend citing the independence of the judiciary," and added, "Continuously rejecting summons requests from the National Assembly amounts to defying legislative oversight and scrutiny."

She also argued that "refusing to attend is a violation of the National Assembly Act," urging, "Chief Justice Cho is not a sanctuary, and judicial independence is not a shield allowing silence on unconstitutional actions," and adding, "Take the witness stand and answer directly before the public."

In his written statement, Chief Justice Cho reportedly stated, "Considering the duty to comply with the Constitution and the law, and the situation where investigative proceedings could potentially take place, it is difficult to appear and answer questions as a witness."

Cho also reportedly wrote regarding the National Assembly's summons that it "not only exceeds the limits of the parliamentary audit under the separation of powers, but also does not conform to the intent of Article 121 of the National Assembly Act, which does not impose an obligation on the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to attend and answer before the National Assembly."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.