Outlook on the Confrontation Between Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and President Lee Jae-myung

This is an outlook on how the confrontation between Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae and President Lee Jae-myung regarding the appointment of Supreme Court Justices will unfold in the future.
1. Outlook on Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's Moves
- Chief Justice Cho has declared a refusal of re-nomination and is taking a stand, citing reasons such as the lack of legal grounds.
- Unless a new variable emerges, it is expected that he will not accept the request for re-nomination.
- However, if the previously nominated Supreme Court Justice candidate (Presiding Judge Son Bong-gi) declares his resignation from the position,
he will likely reverse his position on refusing re-nomination, as there would be no justification to persist.
* In our country's Supreme Court Justice appointment system, where the President (a politician) appoints them and they are appointed upon the consent of the National Assembly (composed of politicians), it is natural for political influence to affect the appointment.
2. Outlook on President Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party's Moves
- The possibility of President Lee Jae-myung backing down is considered non-existent, as it is also a matter of presidential prestige.
- It is highly likely that the Democratic Party will pass a "Resolution Urging the Prompt Filling of Supreme Court Vacancies" in the National Assembly after this year's regular session.
. The National Assembly will also clearly state its rejection of candidate Son Bong-gi while urging re-nomination
(Since the position requires National Assembly consent, this removes the justification for insisting on candidate Son Bong-gi).
- If re-nomination is not made even a month before Chief Justice Cho's mandatory retirement next year,
the Democratic Party is expected to bundle various issues raised so far and pass an "Impeachment Motion against Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae" through the National Assembly.
. It is expected that the Constitutional Court will not reach a conclusion before his retirement, and the impeachment trial will conclude.
. This would deny Chief Justice Cho the opportunity for an honorable retirement and is expected to have the effect of rallying Democratic Party supporters who have been divided.
. This could reduce the burden on the successor Chief Justice appointed by President Lee Jae-myung when nominating someone other than Son Bong-gi.
(When there are no explicit provisions in the law, it falls into the realm of interpretation, and interpretation can vary depending on the person).
* This outlook is based on the premise that they can demonstrate the same passion and unity shown by Democratic Party lawmakers when the "Impeachment Motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol" was passed.