Why is the Democratic Party of Korea seeking a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae?

The DPK accuses Cho of political interference after the Supreme Court overturned President Lee Jae Myung’s not-guilty verdict in an election-law case and sent it back for retrial shortly before the June 3 presidential election. The party also objects to Cho’s refusal to recommend a Supreme Court justice candidate requested by the presidential office and cites allegations of improper use of official funds.

When does the DPK plan to seek a parliamentary vote on its investigation of Cho Hee-dae?

The DPK aims to pass a motion for the investigation at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for Thursday next week. Floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-su announced the plan after a general meeting of the party’s lawmakers.

What political developments accompanied the DPK’s decision to investigate Cho Hee-dae?

Some DPK hardliners called for Cho’s impeachment, while the party had also weighed a parliamentary investigation amid concerns about a backlash from moderate voters. The decision came as DPK members criticized an appeals court’s acquittal of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in a political funds case; Oh belongs to the People Power Party.

Ruling party decides to seek parliamentary probe into Supreme Court chief amid impeachment calls

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Summary

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) decided Tuesday to seek a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, with some party hardliners calling for his impeachment over allegations of political interference. The party aims to pass a motion for the probe at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for Thursday next week. The allegations include Cho’s handling of President Lee Jae Myung’s election-law case and his refusal to recommend a Supreme Court justice candidate requested by the presidential office.

Key Facts

DPK floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-su announced the decision after a general meeting of the party’s lawmakers.
The Supreme Court overturned a not-guilty verdict in Lee Jae Myung’s election-law case and sent it back to a lower court for retrial shortly before the June 3 presidential election.
The DPK also cited allegations of improper use of official funds by Cho.
The party’s decision came amid criticism within the DPK of an appeals court ruling last week acquitting Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in a political funds case.
Oh is affiliated with the main opposition People Power Party.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 27, 2026 4:38 pm KST

Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae arrives for work at the court in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) said Tuesday it has decided to seek a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, with some hardliners calling for his impeachment over allegations of political interference.

During a general meeting of its lawmakers, the DPK agreed to push for the probe, aiming to pass a related motion at a parliamentary plenary session scheduled for Thursday next week, DPK floor spokesperson Jeon Eun-su told reporters.

The DPK has accused Cho of meddling in last year's presidential election after the Supreme Court overturned a not-guilty verdict in President Lee Jae Myung's election law violation case and sent it back to a lower court for retrial just ahead of the June 3 presidential election.

The party also took issue with Cho's refusal to recommend a new candidate for Supreme Court justice as requested by the presidential office, as well as allegations of improper use of official funds.

The DPK had previously hinted at seeking Cho's impeachment over the allegations but was also considering seeking a parliamentary investigation instead amid concerns about a potential backlash from moderate voters.

The latest decision comes amid growing criticism within the DPK of last week's appeals court decision acquitting Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon in a political funds case. Oh is affiliated with the main opposition People Power Party.

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