[2025 National Audit] Judiciary Committee Audit Turns into a "Hearing" with Chief Justice Cho Present but No Answers

Left Without Answering Judiciary Committee's Questions
Seven Committee Members Pressed On, but Received No Response
People Power Party: "Unprecedented in Constitutional History"

On October 13, the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly conducted a national audit with Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae in attendance. However, the session effectively turned into a "hearing" where Chief Justice Cho did not respond to questions. Except for his opening remarks, Chief Justice Cho left the session without answering the questions posed by the committee members. Chu Mi-ae, the Democratic Party chairwoman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, explained that this de facto hearing for Chief Justice Cho had been "agreed upon in advance," but both the Supreme Court and the People Power Party strongly objected.

Chief Justice Cho to Speak at the Comprehensive Audit on the 30th

During his opening remarks at the Judiciary Committee's audit of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Cho stated, "The judiciary is acutely aware that it still falls short of the expectations and standards of the public," adding, "We will continue to humbly accept the public's criticism of the judiciary and actively participate in the ongoing discussions in the National Assembly regarding judicial reform, striving to become a judiciary that earns the public's trust."

On the 13th, a National Assembly inspection of the Supreme Court and others by the Legislation and Judiciary Committee was held with Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and others in attendance. 2025.10.13 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

However, he also emphasized that "the national audit must not be conducted with the intention of interfering in ongoing trials," referencing the law on national audits and investigations, as well as the possibility of external influence on judicial decisions. He made it clear that he would not respond as a witness. Additionally, he explained, "At the conclusion of the audit, I will provide sufficient answers in my closing remarks, summarizing the issues raised during the process."

Effectively a Hearing Was Forced, but No Answers Given at the Audit

Although Chief Justice Cho made it clear he would not answer questions, Chairwoman Chu stated, "We will postpone the witness oath and proceed with questions for Chief Justice Cho," adding, "We will allow questions from three Democratic Party members, three People Power Party members, and one member from a minor party, for a total of seven questions." This indicated her intention to proceed with a Q&A session expecting answers from Chief Justice Cho. People Power Party members fiercely opposed this procedure. During this process, Chairwoman Chu explained that, "Since the witness oath has not been taken, Chief Justice Cho is considered a reference person."

Na Kyungwon, a member of the People Power Party, argued, "To demand answers from Chief Justice Cho without announcing his departure, while Democratic Party members continue to question him, is unprecedented in the history of constitutional government," and called for the immediate cessation of the proceedings and for the audit to be conducted according to established practices. Cho Baesook, another People Power Party member who was given the right to question, referenced how the Democratic Party had previously opposed the attendance of the Chief Justice during the tenure of former Chief Justice Kim Myeongsu. Assemblywoman Cho also pointed out, regarding Chairwoman Chu's claim that Chief Justice Cho was a reference person, "A reference person must agree to that status," and "There cannot be testimony from a reference person who does not consent." Joo Jinwoo, another People Power Party member, yielded his speaking time to Chun Daeyeop, Director of the National Court Administration, in the form of a question. Director Chun explained that Chief Justice Cho's opening remarks at the National Assembly were "a gesture of respect for the National Assembly," and requested permission for Chief Justice Cho to leave, stating, "This is to demonstrate respect for the judiciary."

On October 13, during the Legislation and Judiciary Committee's national audit held at the National Assembly, members of the People Power Party protested as Chairwoman Chu Mi-ae began questioning Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae of the Supreme Court. 2025.10.13 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

In response, Jeon Hyunhee, a Democratic Party member, criticized the Supreme Court's unusually swift decision to remand the case related to President Lee Jaemyung's Public Official Election Act, highlighting the unfairness of both the content and the process. At the end of her questioning, Assemblywoman Jeon said, "Please answer," but her remarks were largely critical of the Supreme Court's ruling.

Regarding the issue of whether Chief Justice Cho should testify before the National Assembly, Chairwoman Chu stated, "Chief Justice Cho left open the possibility of speaking during his closing remarks," and added, "Since he is here for the first time in a while, it would suffice to simply listen to the questions about the suspicions raised by the public."

On the 30th, at the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, Seo Youngkyo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, disclosed the "Opinion on the Attendance Request" submitted by Cho Heedai, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who did not attend the "Hearing on Allegations of Cho Heedai's Involvement in the Presidential Election." 2025.9.30 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

However, Democratic Party members Park Kyuntaek and Seo Youngkyo raised issues by directing a barrage of questions at Chief Justice Cho. When People Power Party members protested, Chairwoman Chu called for National Assembly security officers, resulting in further commotion. Assemblyman Park stated, "Chief Justice Cho tried to decide who should be elected president, a decision that should be made by the people," and added, "There is no difference in attitude toward the public between former President Yoon Suk-yeol and Chief Justice Cho. Do you admit this?" Assemblywoman Seo referenced the circumstances in which Chief Justice Cho brought President Lee's Public Official Election Act case before the full bench and later shared a meal, then asked, "Have you ever met with former President Yoon Suk-yeol, former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, or others?"

During this process, People Power Party members condemned the refusal to permit Chief Justice Cho to leave as "confinement."