Blue House on Cho Hee-dae Justice Nomination Controversy: "Deviates from Precedent... Appointment Authority Infringed"

Hong Ik-pyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, responds at the National Assembly

Hong Ikpyo, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs at the Blue House, stated in relation to Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Heedae's written nomination of Supreme Court justices that "I share the perception that the President's right to make appointments has been somewhat infringed."

On the 29th, as President Lee Jae-myung commuted to the Blue House, officially marking the return of the Blue House era after 3 years and 7 months, the Phoenix flag was hoisted at the Blue House in Seoul. 2025.12.29 Photo by Cho Yongjun

On the morning of August 24, responding to an inquiry from Assemblywoman Cho Baesook of the People Power Party during the National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts' general policy questioning, Secretary Hong made these comments. When Assemblywoman Cho inquired, "Was there any legal issue in Chief Justice Cho's nomination process?" Hong replied, "While the process needs to be further examined for legal issues, it has deviated significantly from established practices," and expressed his agreement with the aforementioned perception.

Assemblywoman Cho continued, asserting, "The nominee the Blue House preferred was not recommended. Isn't President Lee Jaemyung trying to appoint Supreme Court justices aligned with him to create a favorable environment, considering that after his term ends, he might face trial?" To this, Secretary Hong replied, "I cannot agree at all." When Assemblywoman Cho countered, "Even if you do not agree, this is how the public perceives it," Hong responded, "You may need to clarify which public you are referring to."

Additionally, Secretary Hong responded to Assemblywoman Cho's mention that the Blue House and Supreme Court have now come into open conflict over the written nomination issue, saying, "I find it difficult to agree with the statement that the Blue House and the Supreme Court are in conflict." When asked for his view on Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, addressing Chief Justice Cho as "Mr. Cho Heedae" and urging his resignation in a recent statement, Hong stated, "It is not appropriate for the Blue House to comment on or evaluate every remark made by the head of the ruling party."

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