Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae refuses Supreme Court re-nomination request

Supreme Court Justice re-nomination dispute separation of powers judicial independence Blue House

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae has officially refused a request from the Blue House to re-nominate a candidate for the Supreme Court. The dispute centers on the successor to former Justice Noh Tae-ak, a position that has remained vacant for over 200 days.

Chief Justice Cho argued that the Blue House's request lacks specific constitutional grounds and fails to provide a formal document co-signed by the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, as required by law. In response, the Blue House expressed deep regret, stating that the refusal undermines the President's appointment power and violates the Constitution. The administration also warned that the prolonged vacancy is infringing upon the public's right to a speedy trial, given the high volume of cases handled by the Supreme Court.

Separately, the government is implementing significant restructuring within the legal system. The newly established Prosecution Service (Gongso-cheong) will launch with approximately 80-85% of the current prosecutor headcount, with plans for further reductions. Additionally, the Blue House is reviewing its personnel verification processes following the recent withdrawal of several high-profile ministerial candidates.

Entities

Blue House · Cho Hee-dae · Democratic Party of Korea · Han Dong-hoon · Kim Seong-su · Kim Seung-won · Lee Jae-myung · Ministry of Justice · Noh Tae-ak · People Power Party · Prosecution Service · South Korea

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The Blue House has begun reviewing improvements to its personnel verification system.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Blue House is conducting additional verification for Kim Ji-yong, the candidate for the first head of the Seriousest Crime Investigation Agency.
[● 4 SOURCES] Former aides of Kim Seung-won submitted a petition containing allegations of sexual harassment, drunk driving, and abuse.
[● 5 SOURCES] The Blue House characterized the additional controversies surrounding Kim Seung-won as gossip.
[● 5 SOURCES] President Lee Jae-myung presented an appointment letter to new Supreme Court Justice Kim Seong-su.
[● 5 SOURCES] The Blue House stated it has no obligation to respond to additional allegations regarding Kim Seung-won.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The People Power Party called for a full investigation into the petition sent to the Blue House.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Han Dong-hoon claimed that other Democratic Party members were present during the alleged incident involving Kim Seung-won.
[● 8 SOURCES] The number of investigators will be reduced by 2,048. www.jnilbo.com · www.mbn.co.kr
[● 3 SOURCES] The Blue House is waiting for the Supreme Court's decision regarding the re-nomination of a justice.
[● 3 SOURCES] President Lee Jae-myung and Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae held a tea meeting following a period of conflict over judicial re-nominations.
[● 7 SOURCES] The 'Major Crime Specialization Department' will be renamed to the 'Major Crime Prosecution Department'. www.jnilbo.com · www.mbn.co.kr