Parties Clash Over Judicial Meeting Allegations

The Democratic Party's claim of a 'meeting between Chief Judge Jo Hee-de and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo' has escalated i...

The Democratic Party's claim of a 'meeting between Chief Judge Jo Hee-de and former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo' has escalated into a truth battle between ruling and opposition parties, triggering intense backlash. While the Democratic Party shifted its narrative toward a 'judicial coup' frame, it distanced itself from verifying the claim, stating it was an "individual lawmaker's issue." In response, the People Power Party denounced it as a "shameless political scheme" and filed a criminal complaint against the lawmakers who raised the allegations.

The Democratic Party leadership, which had pressured Chief Judge Jo to resign by highlighting the 'meeting claim,' has shifted its position to "the matter should be investigated." Park Sang-hyeok, the chief deputy spokesperson for intra-party communication, said on YTN Radio on the 22nd, "The issue can be resolved through an investigation." Kim Hyun-jung, the floor spokesperson, also told MBC Radio that while there may be a whistleblower, "this is not a collective response by the leadership. Individual lawmakers are raising suspicions as constitutional officers."

Instead, the Democratic Party pivoted its framing. Baek Seung-ah, the floor spokesperson, emphasized in a statement on the 20th that "the essence of the controversy over Chief Judge Jo is election interference, suspicions of a judicial coup, and the need for judicial reform," bringing the judicial reform discourse to the forefront. This shift appears politically strategic, focusing on reform narratives rather than the disputed 'meeting claim.'

The 'meeting claim' alleges that Chief Judge Jo met with former Prime Minister Han shortly before the presidential election and stated, "The Lee Jae-myung case will be handled by the Supreme Court." The controversy erupted after Open Mind TV reported a whistleblower's audio in May, followed by Democratic Party Rep. Seo Young-kyo publicly raising the issue at a National Assembly Legislation and Judiciary Committee meeting immediately after the Supreme Court's remand of President Lee Jae-myung's case. Rep. Boo Seung-chan then mentioned it again during a government question session on the 16th, and Rep. Jung Chung-rae also fueled the controversy by posting on social media, "If true, what should be done about Chief Judge Jo?"

However, Chief Judge Jo categorically denied any discussion with former Prime Minister Han. The Democratic Party also failed to present additional evidence, leading to a deadlock. Lawmakers' statements about the whistleblower's credibility were inconsistent. While Rep. Seo claimed, "I heard the whistleblowers are willing to cooperate if a special counsel investigates," Rep. Boo, though calling the whistleblowers "credible," refrained from disclosing further evidence, stating, "The two whistleblowers are hesitant."

Within the party, concerns grew over backlash due to the lack of evidence for the 'meeting claim' and mixed messaging. There are fears that the core agenda of judicial reform could be overshadowed by the allegations, increasing political burdens. However, some argue that public distrust in the judiciary will limit backlash. A senior lawmaker remarked, "If we don’t raise suspicions despite having doubts, won’t it just be buried? These days, people believe what they want based on their political camps, so there won’t be backlash."

The People Power Party filed a police complaint against Democratic Party Reps. Seo Young-kyo and Boo Seung-chan on charges of violating the Information and Communications Network Act and defamation through false information. Choi Eun-seok, the chief deputy floor spokesperson, criticized, "If they are certain, why can’t they disclose additional evidence?" He added, "Claiming the 'essence' without verifying the facts of the meeting and remarks is a typical political tactic to frame allegations as established truths." The People Power Party plans to take further action against over 10 Democratic Party lawmakers who spread the allegations via social media, including Rep. Jung Chung-rae.