Key facts
- Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said it is difficult to recommend a new Supreme Court justice.
- Cho cited a lack of specific reasons and constitutional grounds in the presidential office's request.
- The presidential office asked for a new recommendation in August, citing "procedural completeness."
- Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president upon the chief justice's recommendation and with National Assembly consent.
- Cho declined to be a witness at the parliamentary audit, citing separation of powers.
SEOUL, Oct. 6, 2026 (Yonhap) -- Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said Tuesday that he finds it difficult to comply with the presidential office's request to recommend a new justice candidate due to a lack of grounds.
Cho reaffirmed his stance during a parliamentary audit of the top court, following his refusal last month to recommend a nominee as requested by Cheong Wa Dae, the presidential office.
"As Cheong Wa Dae's document requesting the new recommendation did not explicitly outline the specific reasons and constitutional grounds, it was determined difficult to proceed with follow-up procedures," Cho stated.
He expressed apology to the public for the prolonged vacancy and vowed efforts to resolve the issue.
Cheong Wa Dae had asked Cho to recommend a new candidate to President Lee Jae Myung in August, taking issue with his previous recommendation and citing a lack of "procedural completeness." Cho rejected this request, asking for specific reasons and constitutional grounds.