Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
South Korea’s Democratic Party renews criticism of chief justice over Han case
South Korea’s Democratic Party renewed its attacks on Chief Justice Jo Hee-dae during a meeting in the country’s southwest.
The party says delays in the insurrection case involving former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo could allow him to leave detention when his custody term expires.
The Supreme Court is due to hold a hearing on November 19, one day before the maximum detention period in Han’s appeal ends.
Some party members want to impeach Jo, while others favor a parliamentary inquiry or warn that either step may not achieve practical results.
The party has not settled on a course of action and is seeking more views within its ranks.
Han could be released if his detention term ends without a decision extending it, but the court’s next steps are not stated.
South Korea’s Democratic Party renewed its criticism of Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae on Nov. 11, accusing the Supreme Court of delaying former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s trial.
The party warned that Han could be released when his maximum detention period expires, and some members said Cho should be impeached.
The Supreme Court scheduled a second full-bench hearing in the insurrection case for Nov. 19, one day before Han’s maximum detention period expires.
Democratic Party members remain divided over whether to pursue impeachment or a parliamentary investigation, with some urging caution.
On Nov. 12, Democratic Party lawmaker Jung Sung-ho said Cho was engaging in politics but also voiced doubts about impeachment.
- Who
- The Democratic Party and its members criticized Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae over the Supreme Court’s handling of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s case.
- What
- The party renewed its criticism of Cho, while members disagreed over whether to pursue his impeachment or a parliamentary investigation.
- When
- Nov. 11 and 12, 2026.
- Where
- At a Democratic Party meeting in Gwangju and in remarks reported from South Korea.
- Why
- The party accused the Supreme Court of delaying Han’s trial and said his possible release could help insurrection forces regain influence.
Democratic Party members urging impeachment
Democratic Party members urging caution
Impeachment
Democratic Party members urging impeachment
Some members said Cho should be impeached, with lawmaker Kim Yong-min arguing impeachment should come before a parliamentary investigation.
Democratic Party members urging caution
Former National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said the party should carefully assess whether impeachment or an investigation could achieve practical results.
Parliamentary investigation
Democratic Party members urging impeachment
Some members said an investigation should not delay action to impeach Cho.
Democratic Party members urging caution
Cautious members raised concerns about effectiveness, public support and confusion over the party’s agenda.
The Democratic Party criticized Chief Justice Cho at a meeting in Gwangju and members renewed calls for impeachment or an investigation.
The Supreme Court scheduled a second full-bench hearing in the insurrection case, one day before Han’s maximum detention period expires.
Han could be released when his maximum detention period expires.
Lawmaker Jung Sung-ho criticized Cho but expressed caution about impeachment and a parliamentary investigation.
- Party
- South Korea’s Democratic Party
- Chief justice
- Cho Hee-dae
- Former prime minister
- Han Duck-soo
- Scheduled hearing
- Nov. 19, 2026
- Possible release
- Nov. 20, 2026
- Meeting location
- Gwangju
4 sources
What people are saying
Han’s release would be the Supreme Court trampling on the limit of the people’s patience and restraint and declaring war on the people to revive insurrection forces.
Personally, I believe we should go straight to impeachment.
We need to look very coolly at whether an investigation or impeachment at this point can produce real results.
Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is engaging in politics.