Accra:Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok has formally raised the possibility of impeaching Chief Justice Jo Hee-de, indicating that the party has begun discussing "all possible methods and avenues."

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim's actions follow repeated calls for Jo's voluntary resignation. The impeachment of the judiciary's head is unprecedented in Korea's constitutional history, raising questions about the ruling party's grasp of public sentiment. Hard-liners in the Democratic Party had previously suggested impeachment but withheld action due to potential political fallout. They now argue that there are ample grounds for such a move.

The allegations against Jo include his refusal to renominate a Supreme Court justice, not taking an oath as a witness during a parliamentary audit, and alleged misuse of official expenses. An impeachment motion requires a majority vote in the National Assembly, which the Democratic Party could achieve on its own.

If passed, Jo would be suspended pending a Constitutional Court ruling. However, it is uncertain whether the court would uphold the impeachment, which necessitates a serious constitutional or legal violation. Legal experts question whether Jo's actions meet this standard, and some dispute the constitutional basis for a renomination request.

The initiative could be seen as an attempt to resolve internal party divisions over the nomination of Kim Ji-yong to lead the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and to consolidate party support. Democratic Party leader Kim is urged to address the party's political challenges, as recent polls show it trailing the opposition People Power Party. The party's inconsistent policies on issues like housing and farmland inspections have eroded public confidence.

If the impeachment effort aims to suspend Jo through parliamentary action, it poses a significant risk. The absence of a chief justice could harm the judiciary institutionally. Kim is advised to retract the impeachment proposal, as it threatens constitutional order and judicial independence. The government should focus on substantive improvements in citizens' lives rather than relying on confrontational politics. An impeachment without solid constitutional justification could intensify political division and erode faith in the checks and balances on executive and legislative power.