Democratic Party Judiciary Committee Cancels “Supreme Court Justice Nomination Controversy” Inquiry Due to Chief Justice Cho Heedai’s Father’s Passing

The Democratic Party of Korea canceled the National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee's planned inquiry scheduled for the afternoon of the 31st, which was set to address the controversy over the 'Supreme Court Justice nomination by written recommendation.' The decision was made in response to the passing of Chief Justice Cho Heedai's father.

Seo Youngkyo, a Democratic Party member who serves as chair of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, announced on this day, "The full committee meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, which was scheduled for today to discuss the current issues related to the Supreme Court, will not be held due to the passing of Chief Justice Cho Heedai's father," adding, "I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family and pray for the soul of the deceased."

(Seoul=Yonhap News) Reporter Seomyeongon = Chief Justice Cho Heedai is leaving the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the 28th. Chief Justice Cho met with reporters around 6:11 p.m. on the way home from the Supreme Court building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and in response to questions about the 'position on the request for discipline of Supreme Court justices,' he said, "First of all, I apologize for causing concern to the public," adding, "The detailed content is under review." August 28, 2026 Photo by Seomyeongon

The committee will convene its Budget Settlement Fund Review Subcommittee at 10:00 a.m. on September 1. On the same day, a plenary session will be held at 4:00 p.m., following the National Assembly opening ceremony at 2:00 p.m., to vote on agenda items reviewed by the Budget Subcommittee, among other matters.

Chair Seo also stated, "If possible, we intend to elect the committee secretary and the chairperson of the first bill review subcommittee." This measure follows the nomination of Assemblyman Kim Seungwon, who had been serving as the committee secretary and first subcommittee chair from the ruling party, as the candidate for Minister of Justice.

Additionally, Chair Seo told reporters she plans to pay her respects in person to Chief Justice Cho Heedai for his bereavement.

Previously, the committee had been scheduled to hold an emergency inquiry on this day, with Chief Justice Cho Heedai summoned to testify as a witness. However, on August 28, Chief Justice Cho submitted a letter to the National Assembly stating the reasons for his non-attendance and conveyed his intent not to appear.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.