Democratic Party of Korea Leader Kim Min-seok said today (September 23) that Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's refusal of Cheong Wa Dae's request to re-recommend a Supreme Court Justice nominee "has the essential nature of an insurrection."

Appearing on "Min-T 07," a live broadcast on the party's official YouTube channel "Democratic Party TV," Leader Kim addressed the Supreme Court's decision to overturn and remand President Lee Jae-myung's Public Official Election Act violation case one month before the June 3, 2025 presidential election, stating, "Whether it was the Supreme Court failing to take a clear stance and appearing to stand with the insurrectionist forces (during martial law), or subsequently attempting to virtually eliminate candidate Lee Jae-myung, in that continuation, it is now disregarding the Constitution and attempting to trample on the rights of the people."

He said, "This is truly an unprecedented incident," adding, "It is unheard of for a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to disregard the Constitution and the law like this and play a power struggle game with the president."

He continued, "This is an unprecedented remaining ember of an insurrection," emphasizing, "As the erratic behavior of the last lone remnant of an already suppressed insurrectionist force, this inevitably has to be dealt with."

Kim also mentioned allegations surrounding Chief Justice Cho's use of operational expenses, claiming, "In fact, it constitutes breach of trust," and adding, "He is damaging the Constitution while his moral qualifications are already flawed."

He added, "Regarding how to handle this issue, we will look into it in depth from multiple angles and resolve it wisely and step by step."

Regarding calls from some within the ruling camp for Chief Justice Cho's impeachment, he said, "We clearly recognize the essence, but the process of public understanding, explanation, and persuasion is also very important, so we will proceed with those steps in order."

He continued, "In that process, there could be various inquiries in the National Assembly, parliamentary investigations, and, if problems arise depending on the circumstances, even a special prosecutor," adding, "Because there are various procedures, methods, and processes, we will respond comprehensively and multifaceted."


Regarding President Lee's keynote address at the United Nations General Assembly, he evaluated, "He raised the preciousness of UN multilateralism," adding, "It was a message to the UN and put together like a puzzle a different position on President Trump's view of international relations."

In particular, regarding President Lee's proposal of a "solidarity of constructive contributing nations" as a solution to the global energy supply chain issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, he said, "It presented another paradigm for the future international order and responses regarding the Strait of Hormuz."

He also stated, "Regarding North Korea-U.S. issues, it was an extremely strategically well-delivered message that acknowledged the U.S. position while simultaneously sending a message to both North Korea and the U.S."

In addition, during the segment reading viewers' comments, Kim remarked regarding the "pebble in the shoe" remark by writer Rhyu Si-min, a pan-ruling camp commentator, "Pebbles turn into rocks and boulders," adding, "That is the history of the people."

This is interpreted as referring to a line from a poem President Lee wrote while serving as mayor of Seongnam in the past, which said, "One day, I will become a rock that crushes the kicking foot."

Earlier, writer Rhyu used the expression "pebble" in a different context, comparing the recent use of derogatory terms against other supporters by some within the ruling camp to a "pebble in the shoe," saying, "President Lee should take it out and shake it off before moving forward, but without thinking that a pebble has gotten in, he seems to be in a state of just feeling 'simply uncomfortable.'"
 
(Photo: Yonhap News)