South Korea's National Assembly audit has begun, opening a review of the Lee Jae-myung government as it enters its second year in office, news.kbs.co.kr reports. The annual inspections place major policy issues and government operations under parliamentary scrutiny.
One focal point is Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, who is expected to appear before lawmakers, according to yna.co.kr. His remarks are being watched for the court's position on a proposal to revise the system for appointing the chief justice.
Yonhap and other outlets describe that appointment process as a central point of friction. A report by Nocut News notes the chief justice nomination right dates back to South Korea's military-authoritarian period and says major countries do not have a comparable arrangement, an argument raised in the debate over changing it.
The audit has also drawn press criticism. In an editorial, Seoul Economic Daily urged an end to practices it described as partisan clashes, scolding witnesses and penalizing business figures, calling instead for rigorous, focused questioning.
The proceedings are scheduled to continue, with Cho's testimony expected to draw particular attention. Lawmakers and the public will be watching how the court's stance on the appointment system is stated, and whether the audit produces substantive scrutiny of the government's second-year agenda.
