On October 6, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party clashed during a National Assembly Judiciary Committee hearing over the departure of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. The People Power Party insisted that Cho should read an opening statement and then leave, following established precedent. However, the Democratic Party rejected this, demanding an explanation for the allegations surrounding the refusal to summon Supreme Court justices.
The Judiciary Committee held the hearing in the National Assembly, focusing on the recent controversy regarding Cho's refusal to summon justices. Judiciary Committee Chair Seo Young-kyo stated that Cho was required to take an oath as a witness due to the summons under National Assembly law. Cho, however, refused, arguing that it contradicted the principle of separation of powers and judicial independence.
After Cho's opening remarks, Seo did not allow him to leave, which is typically the practice after a brief statement, allowing the head of the Supreme Court to depart while the Court's administrative officer answers lawmakers' questions.
Opposition lawmaker Park Hyung-soo argued that this practice respects the independence of the judiciary, stating, "This situation arose because President Lee Jae-myung demanded a summons without constitutional grounds. The President should attend the National Assembly hearing."
In response, ruling party lawmaker Kim Ui-gyeom countered, "The Chief Justice has an obligation to take an oath and answer questions. There are too many questions surrounding the refusal to summon justices. As a public official, he must clarify these issues."
Additionally, during the hearing, Seo and People Power Party lawmaker Kim Tae-kyu engaged in a heated exchange over speaking rights. Kim expressed dissatisfaction when Seo interrupted him, accusing her of running the committee unfairly. Seo and other ruling party members responded by urging Kim to show more decorum, to which he retorted, "What kind of meeting is conducted like this?"
* This article has been translated by AI.
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