Cheong Wa Dae: Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Infringes on President's Appointment Rights and Departs from Tradition

Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, stated today (August 24) regarding Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cho Hee-dae's nomination process for Supreme Court justices, "We share the perception that the president's appointment power has been infringed upon to a certain extent."

During a comprehensive policy session of the National Assembly's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts this morning, when People Power Party lawmaker Cho Bae-soch asked, "Are there legal issues with Chief Justice Cho's recent nomination process?", Secretary Hong replied, "While we need to examine the process further regarding legal issues, it deviates significantly from established practices."

In response, Lawmaker Cho pointed out, "(The reason Cheong Wa Dae and the ruling party are taking issue) is because the Supreme Court justice candidate they had in mind was not nominated. Is it not an attempt to create a favorable environment by appointing a Supreme Court justice loyal to themselves, in case [President Lee Jae-myung] faces trials after his term ends?" Secretary Hong stated, "I completely disagree."

When Lawmaker Cho criticized, "Even if you do not agree, the public understands it that way," Secretary Hong retorted, "You would need to verify which public you are referring to."

When Lawmaker Cho mentioned that "Cheong Wa Dae and the Supreme Court have recently come into direct conflict over the issue of written nominations for Supreme Court justices," Secretary Hong rebutted, "It is difficult to agree with the claim that Cheong Wa Dae and the Supreme Court have clashed."

Asked for his opinion on Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok recently calling Chief Justice Cho by the name "Cho Hee-dae-ssi" and urging him to resign, Secretary Hong responded, "It is not appropriate for Cheong Wa Dae to individually evaluate or comment on the remarks of the ruling party leader."

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