Democratic Party Puts Chief Justice Impeachment on Hold... Will Demand Change of Trial Date for Now

"We Should Not Yet Resort to the Final Measure"
Cautious Voices Emerge Within the Party

Chief Justice Choi Heedae is entering the Supreme Court in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 1st to deliver the verdict on the appeal trial of Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, for violation of the Public Official Election Act. 2025.05.01 Photo by Joint Press Corps

The Democratic Party of Korea has decided to temporarily put on hold its plan to pursue the impeachment of Chief Justice Choi Heedae.

After an emergency caucus at the National Assembly on the 4th, campaign spokesperson Noh Jongmyeon told reporters that this conclusion was reached following discussions among party lawmakers.

Previously, after the Supreme Court remanded the case of Democratic Party presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung for violation of the Public Official Election Act with a guilty verdict, there were calls within the party to impeach Chief Justice Choi and other Supreme Court justices.

Noh stated, "Most lawmakers have determined that the actions of the judiciary were unconstitutional and illegal," adding, "It is difficult for the Supreme Court to deny accusations of political intervention, given the infringement of citizens' suffrage and the violation of the court's internal regulations, among other issues."

Noh also explained, "Several lawmakers expressed the opinion that more needs to be done to inform the public about this issue. There was also a cautious view that the ultimate measure of impeachment should not be pursued unless absolutely necessary."

He continued, "Many lawmakers suggested that the appellate court proceedings, set to begin on the 15th, should be delayed as much as possible. We will demand a change of the trial date for the remand hearing at the appellate court, which is currently scheduled for the 15th."