Government Legislation Minister says president not bound by chief justice's nominee suggestion

A dispute has emerged between President Lee Jae Myung and Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae after Lee turned down a justice candidate recommended by Cho, arguing the proposal was made without adequate prior discussion. Cho responded that the president's demand for a fresh recommendation is not grounded in the Constitution and could undermine the judiciary's autonomy. During a parliamentary audit, Government Legislation Minister Cho Won-cheol sided with the president, asserting that the president is not legally required to accept the chief justice's suggestion.

He described the chief justice's recommendation power as a "form of suggestion" rather than a binding duty. The minister also noted that seeking National Assembly consent would be illogical if the president has no intention to appoint the suggested candidate. He warned that refusing to submit a new recommendation would constitute a neglect of constitutional responsibilities by the chief justice.