Korea’s three branches of government have locked horns over the appointment of top court justices, posts that set legal precedents for lower courts.
The Blue House and the ruling Democratic Party (DP) are in a standoff with Supreme Court Chief Justice Jo Hee-de over the recommendation of new justices without properly consulting with President Lee Jae Myung.
While it is customary for the chief justice to visit the president and make the recommendation in person, Jo notified the Blue House of his recommendation in writing on Aug. 18, a move that defies precedent, as the top justice usually coordinates recommendations with the presidential office beforehand.
Jo nominated Son Bong-kie, chief judge of the Daegu District Court, and Kim Sung-soo, chief judge of the Seoul High Court, to the president for Supreme Court appointment. The nominations are to fill the vacancies of former Justice Rho Tae-ak, who retired in March, and outgoing Justice Lee Heung-gu, marking the first justice appointments since the inauguration of the Lee government last year.
