South Korea's political parties exchanged sharp criticism on Saturday after Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae declined a request for a special counsel investigation, according to 조선일보. The ruling party accused the judiciary of colluding with outside forces, while opposition lawmakers demanded an end to what they described as intimidation of the courts.
조선일보 reported that the ruling party characterized Cho's decision as politically motivated, saying he was acting in concert with external groups. Opposition figures pushed back, calling the ruling party's response an attempt to pressure the judicial branch.
The dispute follows broader tensions over the judiciary's relationship with President Lee Jae-myung's administration. According to 국제신문, opposition lawmaker Cho Kuk said the Supreme Court under Cho Hee-dae does not recognize President Lee and argued the court administration office should be abolished. Chang Dong-hyuk, another opposition figure, warned that any attempt to impeach the chief justice would prompt impeachment proceedings against President Lee, 국제신문 reported.
News1 reported that the ruling party told Cho he was following the same path that led to former President Yoon Suk-yeol's downfall, accusing him of engaging in politics while wearing judicial robes. The opposition countered by describing the ruling party's actions as judicial intimidation, according to v.daum.net.
The standoff reflects deepening friction between South Korea's political leadership and its top court. The chief justice's refusal has become a flashpoint, with both sides trading accusations of overreach and bad faith.
What to watch next: whether the ruling party moves to formally challenge the chief justice's position or introduces legislation targeting the court administration office, and how the Supreme Court responds to the escalating political pressure.
