Democratic Party interim leader slams Chief Justice for delaying judicial appointments

Han Byung-do, interim leader and floor leader of the Democratic Party, has sharply criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of the Supreme Court for his prolonged delay in recommending candidates for the Supreme Court. Han stated that this inaction is an "abdication of constitutional duty" and contributes to growing public distrust in the judiciary.

Speaking at a party meeting, Han pointed out that the vacancy left by the retirement of former Justice Noh Tae-hak in March has persisted for over five months. He expressed concern that the nomination process for the successor to Justice Lee Heung-gu, who is set to retire in September, is now proceeding in a "distorted manner" due to the Chief Justice's continued postponement of the recommendation.

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This is an abdication of constitutional duty and an act that increases judicial distrust by the Chief Justice himself. The Democratic Party will watch alongside the people.

The Supreme Court's recommendation committee proposed four candidates in January before Noh's retirement. However, disagreements between the presidential office and the judiciary regarding the final selection have stalled the process for over six months. While the constitution grants the Chief Justice the authority to recommend candidates, the convention involves consultation with the presidential office before the final nomination.

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The nomination process for the successor to Justice Lee Heung-gu, who is scheduled to retire in September, is unfolding in a distorted manner.

Han also addressed the Supreme Court's decision to hear the cases of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, who are accused of sedition related to martial law during the 1979 coup. He noted that the Supreme Court, with Cho presiding, decided to review these cases under an en banc panel. Han warned that this move should not be used to delay the sentencing, which was already past its deadline according to the special prosecutor law.

When asked about potential impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Cho, Democratic Party spokesperson Kim Sung-hoe clarified that Han Byung-do had not explicitly called for impeachment, urging against overinterpretation. This statement followed remarks by Song Young-gil and Kim Min-seok, candidates for the Democratic Party leadership, who had previously expressed intentions to pursue impeachment if elected.

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The decision to refer the case to an en banc panel should not be a means to delay the sentencing for sedition.