Jeong Cheong-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, advised Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hui-dae to “confidently attend the special investigation if you feel wronged” on the 18th. This suggestion comes amid allegations raised by the Democratic Party of a potential conspiracy between Cho Hui-dae and Han Deok-soo to interfere in the presidential election.
On the same day, during the “Democratic Party-Gwangju Budget Policy Council” held at Gwangju City Hall, Jeong addressed the comments made by Judge Song Seung-yong of the Seoul Central District Court, who had criticized Chief Justice Cho. Jeong echoed Judge Song’s sentiment, questioning why Chief Justice Cho had hastily overturned a previous election law case involving Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, and called for an explanation regarding the decision handed down in just nine days after it was referred to the Supreme Court’s full bench on May 1.
The statement by Judge Song, mentioned by Jeong, was part of a post titled “A Proposal to the Chief Justice” on the court’s internal network on September 16. In the post, Judge Song expressed that if there were widespread concerns and suspicions about the full-bench ruling within the legal community and the public, the Supreme Court should actively address and clarify those doubts, even if it might not be readily accepted by the court itself. Judge Song also called for the prompt disclosure of ethical audit results related to the trial presided over by Ji Gui-yeon concerning a rebellion incident.
Jeong criticized Chief Justice Cho for inconsistency, pointing out that during the martial law period on December 3 and the Western District Court disturbance, Chief Justice Cho remained silent, but found it easy to speak out quickly and lightly about his own alleged involvement. Jeong remarked that it was unfortunate not to see this kind of transparency during those previous events and reiterated that the Chief Justice should participate in the special investigation to prove his innocence if he felt unfairly accused.
The Democratic Party continues to advocate for a special investigation into Chief Justice Cho, although there has been some prudence concerning whether the allegations fall under the scope of an insurrection-special investigation. Special Investigator Park Ji-young stated during a briefing that the investigation’s focus is on crimes related to insurrection and external threats as specified by the special investigation act. Although a complaint has been filed against Chief Justice Cho, Park mentioned there is currently no basis to commence an investigation.