[the300] In a recent National Assembly Planning and Finance Committee audit at the Gwangju Regional Tax Office on the 24th, Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-jin addressed the rapid decision to hold a hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae without consulting party leadership, calling it a “very weighty topic that was handled too hastily.”
During an interview on “Kim Jong-bae’s Focus” on MBC Radio on the 25th, Kim expressed concerns about the decision to hold the Justice Committee’s hearing on October 30, remarking, “It seems like it was a bit rushed.”
Earlier, the Justice Committee decided to hold an emergency hearing on October 30 regarding allegations of Chief Justice Cho’s involvement in the presidential election. The decision was made after Democratic Party member Chu Mi-ae, the chair of the Justice Committee, abruptly set the agenda during a legislative hearing on prosecution reform. The proposal was passed by a majority vote of Democratic Party and Innovation Party members, despite the opposition’s protests about violating the separation of powers and subsequent walkout.
Kim noted that according to the party’s spokespersons, the decision by the Justice Committee was not communicated to the party leadership beforehand, and stated, “It seems that Chair Chu Mi-ae and Ruling Party Secretary Kim Yong-min proceeded without prior discussion or decision regarding the Chief Justice hearing.”
Kim emphasized that such an important issue should have been discussed with the party leadership, allowing for thorough preparation and agreement on its necessity. He added, “It’s my personal opinion that it was done too hastily.”
Regarding why the Justice Committee might not have consulted with leadership, Kim said, “I’m not sure,” but suggested that the issue deserved prior discourse given its significance. He speculated that there might have been extensive discussions within the Justice Committee.
Kim also addressed calls for Chief Justice Cho’s resignation within the Democratic Party, mentioning past criticisms about the Supreme Court’s overturning of a ruling against President Lee Jae-myung’s election law violation. He stressed the importance of discussing concerns about perceived political biases in the judiciary.
Furthermore, Kim commented on the controversy over Presidential Office General Secretary Kim Hyun-ji’s absence from the audit, urging him to make a statement as a public official. He maintained that general secretaries have always been expected to participate in audits, calling it “a basic duty.” The opposition challenged his exclusion from the witness list, arguing it contradicts precedent since the 14th Assembly, while the Democratic Party viewed the move as a political maneuver by the opposition.