Ruling Party Furious Over Cho Hee-dae’s Refusal to Resubmit Nominees: “Insurrectionary Rejection, Demanding Correction”

Warning Raised: “Cho Hee-dae’s Refusal May Be Politically Motivated”

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly opposed Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s refusal to resubmit nominations for Supreme Court justices. However, the party refrained from using political expressions such as “impeachment,” instead drawing attention by mentioning the need for judicial reform.

On September 23rd, at the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party held at the National Assembly, Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated, “Chief Justice Cho’s unprecedented, unconstitutional, illegal, and rebellious refusal to resubmit nominations is, in essence, neglect of duty that ignores the people,” adding, “We will strongly censure this action and demand its correction.”

Referring to Assemblyman Kim Byungjoo, who is staging a solo protest calling for Chief Justice Cho’s resignation, Kim Minseok said, “He has reportedly failed to even keep official working hours,” and criticized, “This deviation stems from carelessness that disregards both working hours and the rules on business expenses.” Kim continued, “We will utilize all the powers of the National Assembly to investigate, summon, censure, and hold the Chief Justice legally accountable until this is rectified.” He also warned, “This disturbance sparked by Cho Hee-dae, born out of ignorance and misunderstanding of the spirit of the times and current circumstances, will become a trigger for judicial reform.”

Kim Minseok, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is delivering a remark at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 23rd. 2026.09.23 Photo by Yoon Dongju

Han Byungdo, floor leader of the Democratic Party, said at the meeting, “Chief Justice Cho bypassed the consultation process and rendered the president's power of appointment powerless by submitting a one-sided written nomination,” adding, “There is analysis suggesting that political motives lie behind the refusal to resubmit. I hope that is not the case.” He continued, “They must recognize that it is the people who suffer from the prolonged vacancy of Supreme Court justices,” and went on to say, “I call on the Chief Justice to quickly resubmit the nominations for Supreme Court candidates.”

Seo Mihwa, a senior member of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council, also stated, “As of 2026, for whom does the judiciary in the Republic of Korea even exist?” adding, “The Democratic Party will strictly hold Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s judiciary, which attempts to control justice on behalf of the people, accountable and make it clear who truly holds sovereignty in this country.”

Han Minsu, another senior member of the Democratic Party's Supreme Council, issued a warning: “To Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, who appears to have entered into outright political struggle, we caution you,” he said. “If your actions are being taken with a specific person from the past in mind, it is time to wake up. We now live in an era of government by the sovereignty of the people.”

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