South Korean parties clash over judges at Constitutional Court audit

South Korean lawmakers from opposing parties clashed during a parliamentary audit of the Constitutional Court on October 13.

Governing-party lawmakers criticized Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae over his refusal to nominate a candidate again after a request from the presidential office.

They also raised claims about his role in a court ruling involving President Lee Jae-myung and payments to judges.

Opposition lawmakers questioned Constitutional Court Chief Justice Kim Sang-hwan about his spouse joining an overseas work trip and his use of official expenses.

Kim was appointed by Lee last year.

The lawmakers made competing arguments about who has authority over the nomination process, and the opposition asked for expense records covering 2022 through 2026.

The audit also became heated after an opposition lawmaker made personal remarks about Lee, and the committee chair urged lawmakers to focus on their questions.