Presidential aide says Chief Justice's justice nomination process strayed from precedent

A senior aide to the South Korean president has voiced concerns that the Chief Justice's recent process for nominating Supreme Court justices deviated significantly from established practices. The aide suggested this deviation may have infringed upon the president's appointment authority.

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While the legal issues require further examination, the process was considerably detached from existing practices.

During a parliamentary hearing, the presidential secretary for political affairs, Hong Ik-pyo, responded to a question about legal issues in the nomination process. He stated that while legalities require further examination, the procedure was "considerably detached from existing practices." Hong also expressed agreement with the perception that the president's appointment power was "somewhat infringed upon."

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I agree with the perception that the president's appointment power was somewhat infringed upon.

Opposition lawmakers pressed Hong, suggesting the presidential office's objections stemmed from preferred candidates not being selected. They questioned whether the president sought to appoint favorable justices to influence ongoing trials after his term expires. Hong dismissed these claims outright, stating, "I cannot agree at all."

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I cannot agree at all.

When pressed further, Hong questioned the basis of the opposition's assertion about public understanding, asking, "You would have to check which citizens are saying that." He also rejected the notion of a direct confrontation between the presidential office and the Supreme Court, calling it "difficult to agree with."

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You would have to check which citizens are saying that.