Seoul:The National Assembly launched its annual audit of government agencies on Tuesday, with tensions rising between rival parties over the Supreme Court chief's refusal to recommend a new justice nominee to the president and the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine.

According to Yonhap News Agency, eight of the Assembly's 17 standing committees began their sessions at 10 a.m. on the first day of the audit, which is scheduled to continue until October 27.

During the audit of the legislation and judiciary committee, a significant point of contention was Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's decision not to recommend a new candidate for court justice, despite a request from the presidential office. This request followed an earlier issue with Cho's written recommendation of two Supreme Court justice nominees to President Lee Jae Myung. Cho rejected the request, citing a lack of constitutional grounds.

The Constitution stipulates that Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president based on the chief justice's recommendation and with the National Assembly's consent. During the audit, Cho declined to take an oath as a witness, citing the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

The session began with a clash between the ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party over whether Cho should remain to answer questions. The Democratic Party insisted he stay, while the People Power Party argued he should be allowed to leave, following the customary practice for chief justices after their opening remarks, pending approval from the head of the parliamentary judiciary committee.