Kim Min-seok on Chief Justice's Written Nomination: "Cho Hee-dae is on the Path of an Insurrection Accomplice... Step Down"

Democratic Party of Korea Supreme Council Member Kim Min-seok criticized Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae today (the 19th) for submitting a written nomination for Supreme Court Justice candidates to President Lee Jae-myung, stating, "I believe it is right for Cho Hee-dae, the worst Chief Justice since liberation, to step down."

Speaking at an on-site Supreme Council meeting held at the Busan chapter, Kim remarked, "How can someone who is Chief Justice commit such judicial manipulation so shamelessly with a bare face?"

Kim pointed out, "The public has been patient to give him a chance at an honorable retirement, but he has brought a dishonorable retirement upon himself, just like Han Duk-soo." He added, "Chief Justice Cho is trying to walk the path of an insurrection accomplice like Han Duk-soo, and why would he court such a shameful path?"

He further criticized, "Chief Justice Cho's behavior is like that of a delinquent student who breaks a window and begs to be expelled, refusing to study."

At the same time, he said, "As soon as talk of impeaching Chief Justice Cho arose recently, he violated the law through expedients," adding, "Historically and by customary law, Supreme Court justices have been nominated in consultation with the President."

Kim asked, "Do you think the public is a fool?" and stated, "Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae can no longer be called the Chief Justice. Cho Hee-dae is the head of a legal engineering bureau."

In addition, he noted, "(Chief Justice Cho) has stepped onto a path of self-sacrifice that fires the starting gun for judicial reform by provoking public anger now that prosecutorial reform has concluded," and demanded, "We ask the Supreme Court justices of the Republic of Korea to issue a statement declaring that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae was wrong."

Kim pointed out, "Hold a judges' meeting and resolve for 'Cho Hee-dae to step down,' and if not, at least make a judicial judgment that this action was wrong," adding, "Without making such a judgment, how can the judiciary catch thieves and deliver verdicts?"

He also said, "I am certain that the public will respond with immense anger, that the entire citizenry will sign petitions, and that the entire nation will rise up," and stated, "The Democratic Party will launch judicial reform taking Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's judicial manipulation as an opportunity."

The previous day, Chief Justice Cho nominated Senior Judge Sohn Bong-ki of the Daegu District Court and Senior Judge Kim Sung-soo of the High Court as final candidates for Supreme Court justices to President Lee.

Breaking away from the customary practice where the Chief Justice goes to meet the President for an "in-person nomination" after coordination, it was understood that Chief Justice Cho practically "notified" the presidential office of the nominated candidates in writing.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.