The National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee has adopted Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae as a general witness for its October audit. Governing-party lawmakers approved the witness list after People Power Party members objected to Cho's inclusion and left before the vote.
Democratic Party lawmakers said they want Cho questioned about his handling of a Supreme Court justice recommendation and claims about how he reacted to a presidential request for reconsideration. People Power Party lawmakers argued that President Lee Jae-myung should instead be questioned about the legal basis for requesting a new recommendation.
Cho told reporters that he would address necessary questions through the audit or the court's public-information channel. The committee's decision sets up a direct parliamentary hearing on October 6, while the competing claims about the appointment process remain disputed.