Supreme Court Chief Justice Leaves Audit Over Health Concerns
Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae left the Supreme Court audit room for health reasons during a lunch recess on Oct. 6, departing without parliamentary approval after appearing as an institutional head, Daegu Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (dgmbc.com) reported. Cho initially appeared at the audit to deliver an opening address following established customs, but he refused to appear as a general witness.
Lawmakers clashed during the morning session over whether the Chief Justice could leave the Legislative and Judiciary Committee hearing room according to traditional practice. When his exit was not permitted, ruling party members began questioning him anyway, prompting fresh shouting matches.
Late Return and Apology Over Expense Controversies
Cho returned to the audit room at approximately 10:50 p.m. for closing remarks, stating he would accept Parliament’s reprimands and advice with humility. He issued an apology regarding ongoing controversies surrounding business expense execution and incentive payments. Regarding the ongoing vacancy crisis concerning Supreme Court justices, Cho offered a brief and cautious response, stating only that he would try to resolve the issue.
Ruling party lawmakers continued their questioning for roughly 20 minutes following Cho’s final address, seeking answers regarding solutions for the re-appointment crisis. Cho did not answer these final inquiries before the session concluded. The Legislative and Judiciary Committee scheduled a follow-up comprehensive audit of the Supreme Court for Oct. 26.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Judicial Audit
Why did Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae refuse to take the witness oath?
Cho refused the witness oath, which triggered an immediate procedural clash between rival political parties on the Judiciary Committee over whether he could leave the hearing room according to custom.
What specific financial controversies did the Chief Justice address?
Cho apologized during his late-night return to the audit room specifically regarding controversies over business expense execution and incentive bonus payments.
When is the next parliamentary audit scheduled for the Supreme Court?
The National Assembly’s Legislative and Judiciary Committee scheduled a comprehensive follow-up audit targeting the Supreme Court for Oct. 26.