Jeong Cheongrae: "Cho Huidae Must Step Down as Chief Justice... Insurrection Division Is a Consequence of His Actions"

Jeong Cheongrae: "Cho Huidae Must Explain and Apologize for Political Bias"
Shakes Hands with Kim Byunggi... "All Responsibility Rests with Me"

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly stated, "Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Huidae should step down from his position, and the Seoul High Court must reschedule the trial date."

Jeong Cheongrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on September 15, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

At the Supreme Council meeting of the Democratic Party held at the National Assembly in Yeouido on the 15th, Jeong said, "Chief Justice Cho has become the vanguard of anti-Lee Jaemyung political struggle," and delivered this message.

Jeong continued, "During the presidential election, Chief Justice Cho clearly emerged as the greatest rival to candidate Lee Jaemyung," adding, "Isn't it clear what the Chief Justice's true intentions are?" He further explained, "It is reasonable to infer that Chief Justice Cho believed he could disqualify candidate Lee Jaemyung or influence voters' decisions, potentially leading to his defeat. That is why he took a huge gamble, staking the fate of the judiciary to challenge a leading presidential candidate from a majority party."

Jeong emphasized again, "The judiciary is not the Chief Justice's private organization, and it must not be held hostage to the Chief Justice's political beliefs," adding, "The Chief Justice must explain, apologize for, and resign over his lack of political neutrality."

He also pointed out, "There is no way to resolve the public's distrust in the judiciary's neutrality, caused by the Chief Justice's personal misconduct and the threat it poses to all its members, except by correcting the wrongdoing from within." He urged, "The National Judges' Conference should discuss measures to restore public trust, including recommending the Chief Justice's resignation." Jeong questioned, "Is the Chief Justice really that powerful? Is he above the President?" and added, "Isn't he subject to impeachment by the people?"

He went on to say, "Establishing a special division for insurrection cases at the Seoul Central District Court is a legislative matter," and questioned, "Is a legislative matter unconstitutional?" He stressed, "The special division for insurrection cases is the inevitable result brought about by the stalling tactics of Chief Justice Cho and Judge Ji Guyon."

Jeong Chungrae, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, and Kim Byunggi, floor leader, are attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 15th. 2025.9.15 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Meanwhile, on this day, the party leadership, including Jeong Cheongrae and floor leader Kim Byunggi, all joined hands and greeted each other, dispelling any rumors of discord. During his remarks, Jeong said with a smile, "All issues and responsibilities arising within the party rest with me as the party leader," and added, "It seems that floor leader Kim Byunggi has had a tough and stressful few days, so I want to offer my comfort and encouragement."