Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae has been reported to prosecutors by a civic group over what has become known as the "written nomination" controversy.
Sabeop Jeongui Baroseugi Simin Haengdong, a civic group advocating judicial reform, held a press conference Tuesday afternoon at the National Assembly press center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The group announced it had filed complaints with the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials against Jo and Court Administration Minister Noh Gyeong-pil on charges of abuse of authority and dereliction of duty.
The Supreme Court announced Tuesday that it would nominate Son Bong-gi (60, 22nd bar exam class), a senior judge at the Daegu District Court, to succeed former Justice Noh Tae-ak, who retired in March, and Kim Seong-su (57, 24th class), a senior judge at the Seoul High Court, to succeed Justice Lee Heung-gu, whose term is expiring.
The controversy deepened when it emerged that Jo had submitted the nominations to President Lee Jae Myung in writing, without a face-to-face meeting. Jo is also reported to have submitted the written nomination for the successor to former Justice Noh without prior consultation.
The group said Tuesday that Jo "effectively pressured a candidate recommended by the Supreme Court Justice Nomination Committee to withdraw, obstructing that candidate's right to serve as a public official — conduct that constitutes abuse of authority." It also argued that Jo "must bear responsibility for dereliction of duty, having failed for more than seven months without justifiable cause to nominate a successor to former Justice Noh to the president."
bell@heraldcorp.com
