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Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae faces impeachment calls over Supreme Court nominations
South Korean Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is facing intense political pressure and calls for impeachment following his decision to nominate two Supreme Court justices via written notice rather than through the traditional in-person meeting with the President.
Democratic Party leaders have condemned the move as a violation of constitutional tradition and an affront to the presidency, with leader Kim Min-seok labeling Cho the 'worst Chief Justice since the nation's liberation.' The opposition argues that the lack of prior consultation with the Blue House constitutes a 'judicial coup' and provides new grounds for impeachment.
In response, the Court Administration Office stated that they attempted to arrange a meeting with the Blue House to reach an agreement but were unsuccessful. Members of the ruling People Power Party have defended the Chief Justice, arguing that the opposition is attempting to infringe upon judicial independence by demanding the President have prior approval over judicial nominations.
The controversy has stalled the appointment process for successors to retiring justices Son Bong-gi and Kim Seong-su, heightening tensions between the judiciary and the executive branch.
Entities
Blue House · Cho Hee-dae · Democratic Party of Korea · Kim Min-seok · People Power Party · Son Bong-gi · Supreme Court of Korea
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's written nomination of Supreme Court justices without prior consultation with the Blue House provides additional grounds for impeachment. www.sportalkorea.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The written nomination breaks the established tradition where the Chief Justice meets the President in person to present nominations. www.sportalkorea.com · www.newstomato.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok described Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae as the worst Chief Justice since the nation's liberation and called for his resignation. www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae nominated Son Bong-gi and Kim Seong-su as candidates for Supreme Court justice. www.newstomato.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 4 SOURCES] Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae submitted the nominations for Son Bong-gi and Kim Seong-su via written notice instead of an in-person meeting with the President. www.newstomato.com · www.seoul.co.kr
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Court Administration Office stated that they attempted to arrange a meeting with the Blue House to reach an agreement but were unsuccessful. www.seoul.co.kr · www.sportalkorea.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kim Seung-won criticized Chief Justice Cho for delaying nominations for 209 days and then unilaterally notifying the committee via written notice. www.sportalkorea.com