Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae returned to work today (September 3) following the funeral of his father, stating regarding the demand to renominate a Supreme Court justice candidate, "I will listen to the progress of the discussions and make an official statement."

On his way to work at the Supreme Court building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, Chief Justice Cho told reporters, "First of all, I deeply thank everyone who sent condolences for my father's passing," adding, "We intended to hold a small family funeral, but it became somewhat noisy, and I feel apologetic to the public."

In response to a question regarding the presidential office's demand to renominate a Supreme Court justice candidate, he said, "We have not discussed the matter at all due to work-related circumstances," and added, "I will go inside, hear about the progress, and speak officially once again."

When asked if there are plans to reassemble the Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Committee, he explained, "I will listen to the entire course of discussions before speaking."

On August 28, the presidential office rejected Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's nomination of Supreme Court justice candidate Sohn Bong-ki, stating that it "lacked procedural completeness," and demanded the nomination of a different candidate.

(Photo: Yonhap News)