Cheong Wa Dae: "Everyone knows the reason for the rejection, yet only the chief justice says he does not know it"

[Financial News] Cheong Wa Dae criticized Cho Hee-dae, chief justice of the Supreme Court of Korea, on Sept. 22 for refusing a request to resubmit the nomination of a Supreme Court justice candidate. It said, "It is difficult to discern the intent behind the chief justice alone saying, 'I do not know because that explanation is not in the official document,' even though everyone knows the reason for the rejection." This marked Cheong Wa Dae's second official statement on the matter that day, again rebutting Cho's claims.
In an additional media notice issued that day, Cheong Wa Dae said, "The constitutional basis for rejecting the nomination was clearly stated in the official document, and we explained the specific reasons in detail to the public through a briefing by the senior spokesperson."
Earlier, Cho Hee-dae argued, "The President's official acts under national law are carried out through documents countersigned by the Prime Minister and the relevant State Council member," claiming that the official request to resubmit the nomination did not specify concrete reasons or a constitutional basis. He then refused the request, saying, "I cannot find a specific constitutional basis or reason to justify the request to resubmit the nomination."
Cheong Wa Dae said Cho's announcement distorted the facts as if there had been a procedural flaw in the President's request to resubmit the nomination. It said, "The official request to resubmit the nomination was issued as an electronic document, and the Prime Minister countersigned that electronic document," adding, "The chief justice and Supreme Court justices have also been appointed solely with the Prime Minister's countersignature."
It countered, "If the argument is that the rejection of the nomination and the request to resubmit it are invalid because the relevant State Council member did not countersign them, that would amount to denying the validity of the appointments of the chief justice and Supreme Court justices, who have so far been appointed solely with the Prime Minister's countersignature."
Cheong Wa Dae explained that it had refrained from using the terms 'returned' or 'refused' in the official document out of respect for the chief justice. However, it stressed that it had clearly expressed its refusal by stating, "We have decided not to submit the motion seeking the National Assembly of the Republic of Korea's consent to the appointment of candidate Son Bong-gi."
It continued, "Since the President has rejected the nominated candidate, there is no other option but to nominate a new candidate," urging Cho Hee-dae to fulfill his duty to ensure the proper composition of a constitutional institution.
Cheong Wa Dae said, "What the public wants from the chief justice under the broader cause of judicial independence is not for him to see only what he wants to see and hear only what he wants to hear," adding, "We must ensure that the people's right to receive a speedy trial is no longer violated."
[email protected] Seong Seok-woo Reporter