Democrats Condemn Chief Justice's Written Nomination, Weighing Rejection

The Democratic Party reacted with intense anger to Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae's "written nomination" of Supreme Court candidates, denouncing it as "judicial collusion" and demanding his resignation. The party is exploring various response strategies, including the possibility of rejecting the appointment confirmation if the nominees' confirmation process reaches the National Assembly.

Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok drew parallels between Jo's actions and those of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, suggesting Jo was seeking impeachment. He urged judges to issue statements against Jo and for judicial conferences to resolve that Jo should step down. The party, which has had escalating conflicts with Jo since a Supreme Court ruling in a case involving President Lee Jae-myung, views the current "written nomination" controversy as another opportunity to challenge him.

During a party meeting, several members called for Jo's resignation and even impeachment, with one suggesting the Chief Justice was "begging for expulsion." The party is considering scenarios such as not holding confirmation hearings, rejecting the appointment confirmation bill, or proceeding with hearings and then rejecting the bill. A party official indicated that the Chief Justice's actions might be an attempt to provoke impeachment proceedings.

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Why is Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae trying to go down the path of a war criminal like Han Duck-soo?

However, the Democratic Party is approaching the prospect of impeaching Jo with caution, as some members question whether the written nomination, without prior consultation with the President, constitutes a procedural violation severe enough to warrant impeachment. President Yoon Suk Yeol's office has not directly commented on the matter but reportedly views Jo's actions as disregarding the President's appointment authority and shifting political burdens onto him.

Conversely, the ruling People Power Party defended Jo, emphasizing judicial independence. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk stated on Facebook that the Chief Justice's power to recommend justices is crucial for judicial independence and that pre-consultation would be inappropriate. Meanwhile, during a National Assembly committee meeting, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Ki-pyo raised allegations that the Court Administration Office head had contacted candidates for the vacant justice seat, urging them to withdraw, which the office head acknowledged as an attempt to resolve a deadlock but claimed the re-nomination plan was abandoned due to candidate opposition.

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The Chief Justice's recommendation power for Supreme Court justices is a core authority for judicial independence. Communicating and coordinating with anyone in advance would go against the constitutional intent of the Chief Justice's unique authority for judicial independence.