Supreme Court chief says will clarify stance over justice recommendation at parliamentary audit

Seoul, September 28 - The Supreme Court's Chief Justice, Cho Hee-dae, announced on Monday his intention to clarify his stance regarding his refusal to recommend a new candidate for the top court during the upcoming annual parliamentary audit. The chief justice's disagreement with the presidential office over the recommendation emerged after the office requested Cho to suggest a new justice candidate to President Lee Jae Myung last month.

Cho declined to comply with the request last week, citing the absence of specific reasons or constitutional justification for doing so.

On Monday, when questioned about the matter, Cho told reporters that he would communicate his position through the parliamentary audit of the court, which is set to commence on October 6. Cho's refusal to recommend a new justice candidate last week triggered an immediate response from the presidential office, asserting that he held views contrary to the Constitution.

According to the Constitution, Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president upon the recommendation of the chief justice and with the approval of the National Assembly.