People Power Party Says Cho Hee-dae Should Declare Judicial Independence by Resuming Lee Jae Myung's Trial

[Financial News] The People Power Party urged on the 31st that judicial independence should be clearly declared by announcing the resumption of President Lee Jae Myung's trial. The call came after Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae recommended the appointment of Supreme Court justice nominee Son Bong-gi to President Lee, only for Lee to reject it. The party argues that this is a direct assault on the separation of powers.
At a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly that day, party leader Jang Dong-hyuk said, "President Lee's refusal to recommend a Supreme Court justice means he wants the nomination of a 'perfect pick' justice of his own choosing," adding, "He is trying to fill the Supreme Court with judges who will acquit him."
Jang also cited remarks made by DPK lawmakers during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, when they argued that a president's request for a renewed recommendation would violate the separation of powers. "The DPK has now reversed itself completely," he said. "The Constitution of the Republic of Korea has not changed by a single letter, then or now."
He added, "Chief Justice Cho says he will issue an official statement this week, and he must clearly declare judicial independence." He continued, "If he bows to the power of the administration here, there is no future for South Korea. He must firmly reject the unconstitutional request for a renewed recommendation and declare the resumption of President Lee's trial."
Jeong Jeom-sig, the parliamentary leader, said, "Cheong Wa Dae's request for a renewed recommendation of Supreme Court justices effectively neutralizes the chief justice's power of recommendation," adding, "If the refusal continues and candidates are eliminated one by one, the result will ultimately be that the president chooses the justices at will."
Jeong said, "The DPK is threatening that if Chief Justice Cho does not appear at the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's current affairs hearing, it will take the next step," and asked, "Is the next step impeachment? They should try it if they want. They should also remember that the president's refusal to recommend is itself grounds for impeachment."
He went on to say, "President Lee and the DPK may continue their reckless behavior, but I hope the chief justice will stand firm, fulfill his role faithfully, and protect judicial independence and the separation of powers." He added, "The Supreme Court overturned President Lee's violation of the Public Official Election Act case and sent it back with a guilty verdict in mind. Only the detention process remains. A swift decision to resume the trial is the only way to prevent a takeover of the judiciary."

[email protected] Lee Hae-ram Reporter