법사위 여당 간사 김승원, ‘조희대 논란’에 “법원행정처 폐지해야”

Kim Seung-won, a ruling party lawmaker, stated on January 21st that he believes the elimination of the "Law and Order Agency" is necessary as a legal reform measure in response to the controversy surrounding the appointment of a judge candidate for the Supreme Court by the former Supreme Court Chairwoman. During an appearance on MBC Radio's "Kim Jong-bae's View," Kim said, "The system under which the Supreme Court Chairperson wields absolute power has led to unjust and unlawful actions, and the Supreme Court should be returned to the people."

He argued that the Law and Order Agency should be abolished and replaced with the "Law Enforcement Department," which would handle executive duties. He explained, "We need to change the Law and Order Agency to one that can only deal with enforcement matters, as the Law and Order Agency has been responsible for directing the Supreme Court's actions."

Kim argued that the Law and Order Agency should not be responsible for appointing judges, as "judicial oversight and the potential for the judiciary to become bureaucratic and 'royal' in nature" are issues that require a different approach. He emphasized that the issue has resurfaced due to the "Supreme Court Commissioner Selection Committee" scandal and is now on the agenda for discussion.

However, Kim noted that this discussion has been ongoing since the end of the Lee Myung-bak administration, with the Supreme Court Chairwoman's controversial actions reigniting the debate.