The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has officially decided to pursue a parliamentary investigation into Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Cho Hee-dae. This marks the first time in South Korean history that a parliamentary probe has been initiated against a sitting Chief Justice.
Scope of the Investigation
Following a closed-door general meeting of lawmakers, DPK floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-soo announced the party's consensus to proceed with the investigation. The party aims to address several controversies surrounding Cho, including his refusal to re-nominate Supreme Court Justice candidates, his refusal to take an oath as a witness during the parliamentary audit, and allegations of misuse of official business expenses.
DPK Floor Leader Han Byung-do emphasized that the investigation is a "duty of the National Assembly" to resolve growing public suspicion regarding the prolonged vacancy of Supreme Court justices and the Chief Justice’s conduct. The party expects to report the formal request for the investigation during the plenary session scheduled for next month.
Internal Concerns and Political Backlash
While the party leadership is moving forward, some members have expressed caution. During the meeting, senior lawmakers, including five-term representative Ahn Gyu-baek, urged the party to prioritize unity and focus on governance rather than engaging in a direct confrontation with the judiciary, which could potentially alienate public sentiment. Concerns were raised regarding what the party stands to gain from such a conflict.
The ruling People Power Party (PPP) strongly condemned the move. PPP chief spokesperson Park Chung-kwon criticized the DPK, stating that the party is attempting to manipulate the judiciary to suit its political interests because it is dissatisfied with recent court rulings.
The DPK plans to monitor public opinion throughout the investigation process. While some party members advocate for immediate impeachment, leadership remains focused on using the probe to clarify the allegations before determining further steps.
