South Korean Political Turmoil: Calls for Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s Resignation

Seoul, South Korea – February 27, 2026 – South Korea’s political landscape is facing heightened tension as members of the Democratic Party are intensifying calls for the resignation of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, following the resignation of Park Young-jae, Chief of the National Court Administration. The calls stem from ongoing disputes over judicial reform proposals.

Democratic Party Leaders Demand Resignation

Jeong Chung-rae, the current leader of the Democratic Party, publicly stated that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae should be the one to resign. In a post on social media, Jeong Chung-rae described Cho as “the culprit of judicial distrust” and urged for his immediate resignation. Source

Other prominent members of the Democratic Party echoed these sentiments. Representative Kim Yong-min likewise asserted that Cho Hee-dae, not Park Young-jae, should be the one to step down, accusing the Chief Justice of undermining judicial order. Representative Lee Seong-yoon similarly argued that with the resignation of the “referee,” the “presiding judge” should also resign. Source

Criticism of Park Young-jae’s Resignation

Representative Lee Geon-tae criticized Park Young-jae’s resignation as a “declaration of rejection of reform” and a defense of vested interests within the judiciary. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to respond to public demands with “reform” rather than “reaction.” Source

Background: Jung Chung-rae’s Leadership

Jeong Chung-rae has been serving as the leader of the Democratic Party since August 2, 2025. He has also been a member of the National Assembly on multiple occasions, from 2004 to 2008, 2012 to 2016, and since 2020. Source He was born on May 18, 1965, and is a 17th-generation descendant of the Hadong Jung clan. Source

Ongoing Judicial Reform Efforts

The Democratic Party is pushing for three major judicial reforms: the Law Distortion Crime Act, the right to appeal court rulings, and the expansion of Supreme Court justices. Source The party intends to pass these reforms despite opposition, and views Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae’s resignation as crucial to facilitating this process. Source

The situation remains fluid as the ruling party and the judiciary continue to clash over these proposed reforms.