[Anchor]

An unprecedented direct clash has erupted between the ruling bloc and the judiciary over the president's appointment authority and the Chief Justice's right to recommend successors for Supreme Court Justices.

Let us take a closer look at this with political desk reporter Ha Jeongyeon.

Q. What is the Cheong Wa Dae's future response?

[Reporter Ha Jeongyeon : Cheong Wa Dae is largely refraining from issuing official responses. However, there is a clear undercurrent of displeasure and absurdity regarding the method of submitting a written statement itself. A Cheong Wa Dae official stated that they will first monitor discussions in the National Assembly, including the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Given the Supreme Court's ruling just before last year's presidential election to remand the Public Official Election Act case against President Lee Jae-myung with instructions for a guilty verdict, the current ruling bloc and Cho Hee-dae's judiciary can be said to have had a very precarious relationship from the very start. Some analysts suggest that the Chief Justice, who holds the recommendation power, played a strategic move against the president, who holds the appointment power. Now, the question is what the president's next move will be. The current Constitution simply stipulates that Supreme Court Justices are appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the Chief Justice and with the consent of the National Assembly. Ultimately, the interpretation of this provision is key. First, some analyze that the president could reject and return the Chief Justice's recommendation proposal rather than moving on to the next step of seeking National Assembly consent. This would be a demand to recommend someone else. Alternatively, the president could send the consent bill to the National Assembly, followed by a process where the ruling party, holding a majority of seats, votes down the nomination of Supreme Court Justice candidate Son Bong-gi.]

Q. Is the possibility of impeachment on the table?

[Reporter Ha Jeongyeon : This is not the first time that the impeachment of Chief Justice Cho has been brought up. (That is correct.) Within the ruling party, some lawmakers have previously circulated drafts for an impeachment motion, taking issue with the political motives behind the remand of the election law case, though it did not lead to an actual motion. Led by Supreme Council Member Kim Min-seok, who demanded, "Step down immediately," the floor leader and the judiciary committee chairman are unanimously vowing a hardline response. Because an impeachment motion can pass with a majority vote of all sitting members of the National Assembly, it is theoretically possible with just the ruling party's current seats.]

Q. What is the internal atmosphere within the ruling party?

[Reporter Ha Jeongyeon : While there is a strong sentiment within the ruling bloc that the current administration and Cho Hee-dae's judiciary cannot coexist, there is also considerable caution regarding pushing for impeachment. First, even if the impeachment motion is passed, there is no guarantee it will be upheld by the Constitutional Court. Some point out that if the motion is dismissed because serious unconstitutional acts warranting dismissal are not recognized, there is a high risk of a political backlash. In particular, given the timing—with the president's approval ratings falling and divisions within the ruling party exposed through the national convention—some figures within the ruling party harbor suspicions about the intent behind Chief Justice Cho pulling out such a card.]