Democratic Party accuses Chief Justice Jo of insurrection over stalled court appointment

The Democratic Party intensified its attack on Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de after he declined to put forward a new candidate for the high court, describing the decision as an unprecedented act of insurrection. During a Supreme Council meeting at the National Assembly, party leader Kim Min-seok called the refusal unconstitutional and a neglect of duty, pledging to employ all parliamentary powers to probe the matter and pursue legal action if needed.

Floor leader Han Byung-do argued that Jo’s unilateral written recommendation bypassed the president’s authority and suggested political motives behind the refusal. Both officials warned that leaving the Supreme Court seat vacant would ultimately damage the public interest. The party later organized a protest rally in front of the court to press Jo to issue a recommendation promptly.