Choi Hee-dae's Supreme Court Chief Justice Confirmation Hearing, at the Center of Controversy in the National Assembly
On the 7th, the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee passed the agenda for Choi Hee-dae's confirmation hearing while the members of the People Power Party were absent.
During the full committee meeting held at 3 PM in the National Assembly's main building, the Justice Committee approved the agenda with all 10 present members voting in favor.
Thus, a hearing to investigate the allegations of the judiciary's interference in the presidential election, which includes Chief Justice Choi, is scheduled for 10 AM on the 14th.
The Democratic Party stated that through this hearing, they intend to argue that the judiciary's attempt to hold a trial during the official campaign period of Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party, violates Article 116 of the Constitution, which ensures equal opportunity in the election campaign. In contrast, the People Power Party opposed the hearing, refusing to participate and leaving the session.
People Power Party's Representative Jo Bae-suk criticized, "It is unacceptable to hold a hearing simply because the Democratic Party dislikes the ruling," and pointed out that "no party in our history has ever proposed a hearing for the Chief Justice."
Also from the same party, Representative Yoo Sang-bum stated, "Summoning the Chief Justice based on the Supreme Court's verdict pressures the situation and seeks to subject the judiciary to political pressure."
On the other hand, Democratic Party Representative Kim Gi-pyo argued, "Just as the president was impeached for committing treasonous acts, we are holding this hearing because the Chief Justice has acted beyond common sense."
Representative Jeong Cheong-rae also emphasized, "Aren't you trying to strip the candidate status of Lee Jae-myung to interfere in the presidential election? We want to find out whether the trials are being conducted unlawfully and without integrity."
Image Source: News1, Choi Hee-dae Chief Justice / News1
