Key facts
- Ruling Democratic Party to seek parliamentary probe into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
- DP lawmakers agreed to push for the probe, aiming for a vote next Thursday.
- Allegations include political interference in last year's presidential election and improper use of official funds.
- Cho is accused of refusing to recommend a new Supreme Court justice as requested by the presidential office.
SEOUL, Oct. 27, 2026 -- South Korea's ruling Democratic Party (DP) announced Tuesday its decision to pursue a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae. The move comes amid calls from some party hardliners for Cho's impeachment over allegations of political interference and improper use of official funds. DP floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-su stated that the party aims to pass a motion for the probe at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for the following Thursday. The DP has accused Cho of interfering in last year's presidential election by sending President Lee Jae Myung's election law violation case back for retrial shortly before the June 3 election. The party also cited Cho's refusal to recommend a new Supreme Court justice and allegations of improper fund usage. The decision follows criticism within the DP regarding the recent acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in a political funds case.