Court Administration Chief on Calls for Cho Hee-dae's Resignation: "Holding Judges Accountable for Trials Hinders Fulfilling Their Duties"

Chun Daeyeop Voices Concern Over Calls for Chief Justice's Resignation
Emphasizes Judicial Independence Amid Criticism of Supreme Court Decision

Chun Dae-yeop, Chief of the National Court Administration, expressed concern over calls for Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae to resign following the Supreme Court's decision to remand the case of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's presidential candidate, who was charged with violating the Public Official Election Act.

Appearing at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee on the 14th, Chief Chun responded to Democratic Party lawmaker Park Ji-won’s remark that "in a public opinion poll, 48.6% agreed and 46.2% disagreed with the call for the Chief Justice's resignation," by stating, "This is not about defending the Chief Justice. Holding judges accountable for trial-related matters or demanding changes to their personal status becomes a significant obstacle to fulfilling their duties under the independence of the judiciary."

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He went on to say, "Judges must fulfill their roles through trial outcomes without fear of any pressure from those in power. However, if they end up becoming subjects of investigations or inquiries after the fact, there is a fear that no one would be able to freely and conscientiously guarantee the fundamental rights of the people."

When Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Chungrae, a member of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, asked whether the Supreme Court's ruling on Lee's appeal was exceptionally expedited compared to other cases, potentially leading the public to perceive unfairness, Chief Chun answered, "As the Supreme Court is a court of law and of appeals, it would have reviewed the necessary records and legal issues. Given the importance of the case, I believe, as stated in the ruling, that those who joined the majority opinion deliberated intensely."

In response to a question about the legal basis for handing down a verdict on Lee's case more quickly than other cases pending before the Supreme Court, he cited Article 270 of the Public Official Election Act and explained, "Just as the legislature gives priority to bills when there is a rational need, judges may also prioritize hearings for important cases or those for which the law mandates prompt handling."