Seoul: Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae expressed hope for a public debate on the ruling party's initiative to increase the number of justices on the court's bench.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho's statement came a day after the ruling Democratic Party approved a revision to the Court Organization Act through a parliamentary legislation and judiciary subcommittee, shortly after President Lee Jae-myung assumed office. The proposed bill seeks to expand the bench from the current 14 justices to 30 by adding four judges annually, starting a year after the bill's promulgation.

Cho addressed reporters upon his arrival at the court, saying, "I am hoping that there will be a forum for public debate." He emphasized the importance of collaboration with the National Assembly to explain the Supreme Court's inherent functions as defined by the Constitution and law, and to determine the most desirable direction for reform.

The bill has ignited controversy, with suspicions that the ruling party aims to appoint justices favorable to President Lee, who is currently facing five trials on charges of corruption and other offenses. Lee had included judicial reform, specifically the expansion of the Supreme Court bench, in his campaign pledges.

The main opposition, the People Power Party, boycotted the subcommittee vote on Wednesday.