Democrats demand resignation of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae; PPP defends him amid legal battles

The Democratic Party is intensifying its pressure on Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, demanding his resignation. The party criticizes Cho's method of recommending new Supreme Court justices, particularly his decision to submit written recommendations for replacements of former justices Noh Tae-hak and Lee Heung-gu without prior consultation with the presidential office. Democratic Party spokesperson Park Sung-joon stated on March 23 that Cho has already become a "political player" and urged the judiciary to call for his resignation to maintain its independence.

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Cho Hee-dae should resign immediately.

Conversely, the People Power Party is defending Chief Justice Cho, accusing the Democratic Party and the presidential office of attempting to undermine judicial independence. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk argued that the constitution only requires the Chief Justice's recommendation and the National Assembly's consent for appointing justices, with no mention of prior consultation with the president. He suggested that any attempt to force the court to comply with the president's wishes would be "dictatorial" and would collapse judicial independence. Jang called for the judiciary to resume President Lee Jae-myung's trial as a means to counter such perceived overreach.

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Cho Hee-dae has already become a 'political player.' The judiciary should shout for Cho Hee-dae to leave for the sake of its independence.

The escalating conflict is set to culminate in a confrontation during a National Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing on March 31, where Chief Justice Cho is scheduled to testify. Democratic Party floor leader Lee Ju-hee warned Cho to "bring the truth, not flimsy excuses" and vowed that the National Assembly would hold him accountable for perjury if he deviates from the truth. In response, People Power Party spokesperson Park Sung-hoon denounced the hearing as a "pre-impeachment hearing" aimed at shaming and controlling the Chief Justice, demanding its immediate cessation.

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The constitution clearly states the requirements for appointing Supreme Court justices. It only requires the Chief Justice's recommendation and the National Assembly's consent. Nowhere does it state prior consultation or coordination with the president. If it's to make President Lee's own charges not guilty, that is 'dictatorship.'

Within the Democratic Party, there is a sentiment that the offensive against Chief Justice Cho could serve as a rallying point amidst internal party conflicts. One two-term lawmaker expressed hope that the push for judicial reform, initiated by Cho's alleged judicial misconduct, could unify the party. Party leader Kim Min-seok has publicly stated his intention to pursue judicial reform, with some within the party even discussing the abolition of the Court Administration and Investigation Office to reduce the Chief Justice's administrative powers. However, Park Sung-hoon of the People Power Party cautioned that such discussions are premature.

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If the Supreme Court recommends justices as the president demands, judicial independence will be destroyed. That is the height of unconstitutionality.