Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok said he would pursue legal accountability over Chief Justice Jo Hee-de's refusal to resubmit a Supreme Court justice nomination, calling it "a work slowdown that ignores the public."
Speaking at the party's supreme council meeting on the 23rd, Kim said, "The refusal to resubmit is essentially a work slowdown that ignores the public," adding, "We will reprimand it and correct it."
He went on to say, "Former supreme council member Kim Byung-joo has been staging a one-person protest for several dozen days now, and based on what has been confirmed there, the chief justice is reportedly not even keeping office hours." He said it was "a deviation that begins with a lack of diligence that disregards both office hours and the rules on business expenses." Kim added, "This 'unprecedented revolt,' which began from ignorance of and misjudgment about the spirit of the times and the current situation, will become the trigger for judicial reform."
Kim also said the party would pay close attention to consumer prices. "It is fortunate that Chuseok prices were relatively stable, with grocery prices falling, but we will not overlook and will keep in mind the concerns raised about some items and about the overall state of the economy that people feel in daily life," he said.
On the Dignified Livelihood Committee launched the previous day, he said it was "the most important committee among all the task forces launched by the party yesterday," adding, "With the goal of a dignified life for all citizens, we will confront widening gaps and polarization." He also expressed thanks to former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, who joined as a standing adviser.
"Reflecting on the Democratic Party's reason for existence — protecting the middle class, low- and middle-income households and the socially vulnerable — we will go all in on people's livelihoods, livelihoods, livelihoods," Kim said. "I will lead the Democratic Party as one that protects people's livelihoods 24 hours a day, from dawn until midnight."
