South Korean lawmaker signals potential impeachment of Chief Justice Cho

Kim Seung-won, a ranking member of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee representing the Democratic Party, has signaled the possibility of pursuing impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.

Kim stated that the party will monitor several key developments before making a final decision, including whether Chief Justice Cho attends the scheduled legislative inquiry on the 31st and whether the written nomination of Supreme Court Justice candidate Son Bong-gi is voluntarily withdrawn. Kim noted that if the Chief Justice fails to appear for the inquiry, the party will be forced to take the “next step.”

Additionally, Kim expressed strong support for the abolition of the Court Administration Office to reduce judicial administrative power, citing previous reform proposals made during the Park Geun-hye era. The Democratic Party has already selected Chief Justice Cho and Court Administration Office head Noh Kyung-pil as witnesses for the upcoming committee meeting to question the circumstances surrounding recent judicial nominations.