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

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of the Supreme Court disclosed on Monday his intention to clarify his stance regarding his refusal to recommend a new candidate for the top court during the forthcoming parliamentary audit. The chief justice has found himself at odds with the presidential office over the recommendation request following the latter's appeal to Cho last month.

President Lee Jae Myung had asked Cho to suggest a new justice candidate for his consideration. Cho had declined to follow the request last week, citing the absence of concrete reasons or constitutional justification for doing so.

In response to the issue on Monday, Cho addressed journalists, stating that he would articulate his position through the parliamentary audit of the court, set to commence on October 6. Cho's reluctance to comply with the presidential office's request last week drew immediate criticism from Cheong Wa Dae, which accused him of holding a viewpoint that contravenes 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.