Chief justice says difficult to newly recommend Supreme Court justice due to lack of grounds

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae expressed on Tuesday the challenges in responding to the presidential office's request for a new judicial nomination. The main obstacle lies in the absence of compelling grounds to support such a recommendation. Cho reiterated this stance following his refusal last month to endorse a new judge candidate as per a directive from Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office.

The presidential office's request for a new recommendation lacked specific details and constitutional justification, which rendered it challenging to advance the necessary procedures, Cho explained. He expressed regret to the public for the extended period of vacancy, but reiterated his commitment to resolving the issue.

Previously, on August request from Cheong Wa Dae, Cho was asked to suggest a new justice candidate to President Lee Jae Myung. This request was made due to perceived shortcomings in the procedural completeness of the previous nomination. Cho, however, declined the request demanding concrete reasons and the relevant constitutional grounds before proceeding. Under the Constitution, justices of the Supreme Court are appointed by the president, following the recommendation from the chief justice.