U.S. Supreme Court wrestles with bid by energy companies to block major climate suit

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae expressed on Tuesday the difficulty of complying with the presidential office's request to recommend a new Supreme Court justice. The reason for this challenge lies in the absence of clear grounds or constitutional justification for the recommendation. This stance was reinforced during a parliamentary audit of the top court, following Cho's refusal in the previous month to recommend a new candidate as requested by Cheong Wa Dae.

The request from Cheong Wa Dae, the seat of the South Korean president, did not specify the exact reasons or constitutional grounds for the new recommendation. Consequently, it was deemed challenging to continue with the subsequent procedures. Cho expressed regret to the public over the extended vacancy, vowing to make efforts to resolve the issue.

Cheong Wa Dae had initially asked Cho to recommend a new candidate to President Lee Jae Myung in August after criticizing his previous recommendation, which lacked procedural completeness. However, Cho had rejected this request, insisting on receiving specific reasons and the constitutional grounds before making a recommendation. According to the Constitution, Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president based on the recommendation of the chief justice.