National Integration Committee Chair: "Confirmation Hearing for Chief Justice Lacks Requirements... I Don't Understand"

Lee Seokyeon, chairman of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, is speaking at a press conference held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 30th. 2025.9.30 Photo by Jo Yongjun

Lee Seokyeon, chairman of the Presidential Committee on National Integration, criticized the National Assembly on the 30th for pushing ahead with the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Chief Justice nominee Cho Huidae, saying, "The requirements for the hearing have not even been properly met, so I do not understand why the National Assembly is rushing this process."

During a luncheon meeting with reporters in the main conference room of the Presidential Committee on National Integration that day, Chairman Lee referenced Laozi's saying, "The laws have become elaborate, but the lives of the people have become impoverished," and urged, "I sincerely ask the Democratic Party of Korea to move away from the notion that legislation is the solution to everything." He further explained that the confirmation hearing requirements have not been met, citing the ongoing public official election law case involving President Lee Jaemyung, which precludes a parliamentary investigation, and the fact that, under the Court Organization Act, the deliberation process is not made public.

Chairman Lee went on to say, "Even if it is political rhetoric, responsible politicians should not make abrupt remarks such as 'The Chief Justice should step down' or 'We will impeach him.' Have you ever considered the impact that each of these statements has on public sentiment and national unity?"

However, Chairman Lee also voiced criticism toward Chief Justice Cho. Referring to Chief Justice Cho's recent comment that "King Sejong did not use law as a means of governance," Lee pointed out, "One of the core principles of King Sejong's legal philosophy was not to hastily draft judgments and to exercise caution until the final arguments were made. Why was this aspect omitted?"

Lee further emphasized, "I still do not understand why the Supreme Court handled the appeal trial regarding then-presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung's violation of the Public Official Election Act so hastily last May, knowing the enormous political repercussions it would have." According to Lee, such actions by Chief Justice Cho have led to public distrust in the judiciary and prompted calls from citizens for a clear stance.

Meanwhile, Chairman Lee expressed the view that a special prosecutor's investigation and the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office are necessary. He stated, "A special prosecutor is not about political retaliation but about holding accountable those who undermine constitutional order through rebellion," and explained, "This is a process of upholding the rule of law to prevent repeated threats to constitutional order." Regarding the abolition of the Prosecutors' Office, he added, "It is not unconstitutional, nor does it mean the complete abolition of the prosecutor system itself."