Escalating Calls for Justice: Lawmaker Demands Accountability from Top Judge
Chua Mi-ae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is intensifying pressure on Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to address questions surrounding his position.
On March 3rd, Ms. Chua stated on her Facebook page, “Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, who cannot look back on himself, must quickly decide his future.” She made this statement while sharing an article concerning Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s response to the “Judicial Reform 3 Laws,” stating, “Sudden, sweeping changes require careful consideration.”
According to the article, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae stated upon arriving at work that morning, “I fully respect the National Assembly’s legislative activities,” but too requested, “Please carefully consider whether Notice any aspects that could harm the people.” He also expressed disagreement with the Democratic Party’s claim that the judicial reform is being pursued based on “distrust of the judiciary.”
Ms. Chua asserted that “Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae labeled the rebellion as a political conflict.” She further stated that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s appointments released the individual identified as the leader of the rebellion, and repeatedly dismissed arrest warrants for those complicit in the rebellion, claiming there was room for dispute, thereby distorting facts and law.
She argued this hindered a proper special investigation.
Ms. Chua continued, “The Cho Hee-dae court betrayed the trust of the people by failing to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.” She criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s response to questions about distrust in the judiciary, stating, “Why is there low trust when foreign countries wish to exchange and learn from the Korean judiciary?” asserting that his level is no better than that of Yoon Seok-yeol, the leader of the rebellion.
Ms. Chua pointed out that Yoon Seok-yeol was warmly received with pork cutlet and soju by the Japanese Prime Minister and hosted as a state guest at Blair House in the United States, yet domestic public trust remained at the lowest level globally.
The Democratic Party’s demands for Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s resignation are growing. Representative Jeong Cheong-rae, Chairman of the Democratic Party, stated on February 27th at the Supreme Council meeting, “It would be good to announce his position when there is still some public trust remaining.” On March 1st, he posted on Facebook, “Cho Hee-dae, resign.”
