Seoul:Cho Hee-dae: Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae announced plans to clarify his stance on his refusal to recommend a new candidate to the Supreme Court at the upcoming annual parliamentary audit.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chief Justice Cho has been in a disagreement with the presidential office after being asked last month to recommend a candidate to President Lee Jae Myung. He refused the request last week, arguing that there were no specific reasons or constitutional grounds for the recommendation.

Cho told reporters that he would express his position during the parliamentary audit of the court, which is set to start on October 6. Subsequently, the parliamentary legislation and judiciary committee approved a motion to call Cho as a witness at the audit, though this decision was boycotted by lawmakers from the main opposition People Power Party, who argued it infringes on judiciary independence.

Typically, the Supreme Court chief justice leaves the court's parliamentary audit after delivering opening remarks. However, Cho's recent refusal has drawn criticism from Cheong Wa Dae, which accused him of violating the Constitution. The Constitution states that Supreme Court justices are appointed by the president based on the recommendation of the chief justice and with the National Assembly's consent.