Seoul:A significant conference of representative judges from across the nation's courts is scheduled to occur later this month. Officials announced this development amid increasing demands to maintain judicial independence following criticisms from the ruling party directed at the judiciary.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the conference was initially planned for December 7 but has been rescheduled to November 30 after a vote by its members. Although no specific agenda has been set, discussions are expected to focus on issues related to the judiciary's independence.
The ruling Democratic Party (DP) is advocating for a parliamentary investigation into Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, accusing him of political interference. The accusations stem from the Supreme Court's decision to overturn a not-guilty verdict in President Lee Jae Myung's election law violation case and remanding it for retrial just before the June 3 presidential election.
Furthermore, the DP has expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Justice Cho's refusal to recommend a new Supreme Court justice candidate as requested by the presidential office, along with allegations concerning the improper use of official funds.
In response to these developments, some judges have urged the judiciary to resist perceived assaults on judicial independence. Judge Seong Chan-yong of the Incheon District Court emphasized the need to oppose unfair attacks in a message posted on the judiciary's internal online forum, receiving support from other judges.