Democratic Party Pushes for First-Ever Parliamentary Probe into Chief Justice… What About Impeachment?

[Anchor]

Following the news regarding the Supreme Court, let's take a look at the situation at the National Assembly. The Democratic Party decided today (October 27) to conduct a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. Let's connect live to the National Assembly.

Reporter Jeon Yeon-nam, how is the parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho expected to proceed going forward?

[Reporter]

Yes, the Democratic Party plans to submit a request for a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae at the plenary session on November 5.

Once the request is submitted, the National Assembly Speaker must report it to the plenary session without delay and form an investigation committee.

The inquiry is expected to cover allegations including Chief Justice Cho's refusal to re-recommend Supreme Court justice candidates and improper execution of operational expenses.

The People Power Party strongly criticized the parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice Cho, calling it "unconstitutional and an attempt to enslave the judiciary."

[Anchor]

If the parliamentary investigation begins in earnest, will Chief Justice Cho cooperate?

[Reporter]

Previously, Chief Justice Cho submitted an explanatory statement for his non-attendance in response to the National Assembly's request to appear as a witness for the parliamentary audit.

Even after appearing later, he refused to take the witness oath.

This was on the grounds that "demanding testimony in the National Assembly regarding the recommendation of Supreme Court justices poses a risk of undermining the separation of powers and the principle of judicial independence," and by the same logic, it is highly likely that he will not cooperate with the parliamentary investigation either.

[Anchor]

However, weren't there strong voices in some quarters of the ruling bloc calling for immediate impeachment?

[Reporter]

Yes, the Democratic Party originally planned to convene its next leadership meeting if the arrest warrant for Kim Keonhee was rejected.

The situation could have rapidly shifted toward impeachment, but with an additional arrest warrant issued, the Democratic Party plans to focus for now on a parliamentary investigation rather than impeachment.

The Democratic Party maintained its pressure, stating that the additional arrest of Kim is not the end.

[Anchor]

Was there also controversy over a ruling party lawmaker inquiring into Chief Justice Cho's mobile phone replacement records?

[Reporter]

Yes, it has been confirmed that the office of Democratic Party Lawmaker Hwang Jung-a obtained records of Chief Justice Cho's mobile phone device replacements from telecommunications carriers.

The submitted materials contained a response stating that there were no records of device changes during the specified period.

The opposition criticized it as illegal surveillance and an 'unconstitutional, barbaric act' that undermines the separation of powers, but Lawmaker Hwang stated that the materials were lawfully obtained and expressed deep regret over framing the matter as surveillance.

(Video by Oh Young-chun, Kim Yong-woo | Field Coordination by Pyeon Chan-hyeong | Video Editing by Park Seon-soo)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.