Kim Min-seok Formalizes Discussion on Impeaching Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae

Kim Min-seok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea (MINJU), said regarding Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae—who is in conflict with the presidential office over the issue of re-recommending a Supreme Court justice candidate—that "as widespread demands for impeachment are already emerging, it can be viewed that we have begun discussions putting all methods and every possible path on the table."

Appearing today (October 16) on the Democratic Party's (MINJU) YouTube broadcast "Minti 07," Kim gave this response when asked about Chief Justice Cho's impeachment, referring to pushing for the chief justice's impeachment as "even the letter 'T' of impeachment."

Kim's remarks go further than his previous stance, and are interpreted as effectively formalizing that the party has entered into related discussions while keeping open the possibility of pursuing impeachment.

Kim's statement goes beyond his remarks on October 14, when he pressured Chief Justice Cho to voluntarily resign by saying, "Our patience is not infinite," and noted that the party was "practically reviewing all options."

The Democratic Party (MINJU) had previously been cautious about mentioning the pursuit of impeachment against Chief Justice Cho, the head of the judiciary, out of concern over potential political backlash.

Kim also explained, "Up to a certain point, we believed it was best not to even utter the letter 'T' of impeachment, and instead to provide the public with a thorough and deep explanation to foster understanding, and we proceeded accordingly," adding, "Now, we are comprehensively compiling the reasons (IYOO) why he must resign."

Lawmakers Kim Ki-pyo and Park Gyun-taek of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee also appeared on the same broadcast following Kim, arguing for the necessity of Chief Justice Cho's impeachment.

Lawmaker Kim pointed out that Chief Justice Cho's recent remarks during a parliamentary audit—to the effect that the National Assembly auditing the chief justice's exercise of nomination rights is inherently unconstitutional—represented "a deeply unconstitutional thought, remark, and attitude."

He added, "Grounds for impeachment are overflowing," asserting, "He must unconditionally be impeached now, at this juncture."

Lawmaker Park said, "Denying the constitutional provision on the president's appointment power and violating the Act on Testimony and Appraisal Before the National Assembly by refusing to take the witness oath during the parliamentary audit are more than enough grounds for impeachment," adding, "He must be impeached. At the very least, the time has come to review impeachment."
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.