NewKerala.com

Key Points

The South Korean presidential office has agreed that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae should consider public calls for his resignation. This comes after opposition lawmakers accused Cho of protecting figures involved in former President Yoon's martial law imposition. The presidential spokesperson emphasized that appointed judicial authorities should respect the elected National Assembly's role. Meanwhile, the ruling party is pushing major judicial reforms that would significantly expand the Supreme Court.

Key Points: South Korea Presidential Office Backs Calls for Chief Justice Resignation

  • Presidential office supports judiciary reflecting on public resignation demands
  • Spokesperson emphasizes respect for National Assembly's constitutional role
  • Chief Justice Cho faces pressure from DP lawmakers over trial delays
  • Judicial reform bills seek to expand Supreme Court justices from 14 to 30
2 min read

South Korean Presidential office agrees 'in principle' that chief justice should reflect on calls for resignation

Presidential spokesperson agrees "in principle" that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae should reflect on resignation demands amid judicial reform tensions and political pressure.

"We agree in principle that if there is public demand... it is necessary as an 'appointed authority' to reflect - Kang Yu-jung"

Seoul, Sep 15

The presidential office said Monday it agrees "in principle" that Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae should reflect on calls for his resignation.

The remark came after Rep. Choo Mi-ae, chair of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, called for Cho's resignation in a Facebook post the previous day, accusing him of "shielding" figures involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law imposition by delaying their trials.

"We agree in principle that if there is public demand and it reflects the needs of the times, it is necessary as an 'appointed authority' to reflect on the plausibility and reasons for such demands," presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said during a press briefing, when asked to comment on Choo's remarks.

Kang stressed the need to respect the National Assembly as the "foremost elected body representing the spirit of the Constitution and the will of the people," in a thinly veiled message that the judiciary, which is an appointed body, should reflect on Choo's calls.

Kang also addressed the judiciary's recent call for caution on the ruling Democratic Party (DP)'s judiciary reform bills, Yonhap news agency reported.

"An authority appointed by indirect appointing power should fully observe the legislature's discussions ... rather than doubting the legislature's ability to exercise self-correction and hold internal deliberations," she said.

Cho earlier stressed the importance of respecting the independence of the judiciary, vowing to seek what he called the "right path" to judicial reform.

Separately, DP leader Jung Chung-rae also called for Cho's resignation during the party's supreme council meeting earlier in the day.

The judicial reform bills being pushed by the DP call for increasing the number of Supreme Court justices from the current 14 to 30, overhauling the recommendation process for Supreme Court justices and evaluation method for judges, expanding public access to lower-court rulings and introducing a preexamination system for search and seizure warrants.

The party has said it aims to pass the bills before the extended Chuseok holiday that begins October 3.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The tension between appointed and elected bodies is universal. But demanding resignation through Facebook posts? That seems quite informal for such serious matters. Judicial reforms need more thoughtful discussion.
A
Arjun K
Increasing Supreme Court justices from 14 to 30? That's a massive expansion! Reminds me of debates about judicial appointments in India. Hope they consider the long-term implications carefully.
S
Sarah B
As an expat in India, it's fascinating to compare judicial systems. The "appointed vs elected" debate resonates here too. Judicial independence is crucial for any democracy to function properly.
V
Vikram M
Trying to pass such significant reforms before a holiday? That sounds rushed. Major constitutional changes need thorough debate, not political haste. Hope they don't compromise on due process.
M
Michael C
The spokesperson's wording is very diplomatic - "agree in principle" but not actually calling for resignation. Smart political maneuvering that leaves room for negotiation. Interesting to watch from India!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50