Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan Positively Assesses Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's Actions… “Leftists Will Have No Way to Resist”

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae emphasized the essence of the rule of law and the importance of controlling state power. He particularly stressed the significance of controlling the arbitrary exercise of state power, highlighting the value of the rule of law.

He mentioned that this rule of law is in a complementary relationship with democracy, which is the manifestation of popular sovereignty. He stressed that the role of the rule of law is even more critical in a situation where the government's administrative oversight function continues for four years.

Yoon Ki-chan, Vice Chairman, emphasized that law is a promise made by the people, and particularly, the Constitution is something all citizens have agreed upon. He pointed out that even a person directly elected by the people cannot disregard this promise, the Constitution.

He added that the conflict logic of the political sphere should not distort the legitimate role of the judiciary.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan stated that the President's exercise of the power to appoint the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court must also be within the constitutional framework. He explained that the Constitution specifies a procedure where the Chief Justice first proposes, and the President makes the appointment decision after obtaining parliamentary consent.

He argued that labeling the judiciary's legitimate procedures as a challenge to the President's appointment power is undue, and he defended judicial independence.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan expressed concern about current attempts to dismantle the independence of the Supreme Court. He conveyed that some media outlets are raising questions as to whether these moves indicate a desire for 'pro-Lee Jae-myung judges', 'pro-Lee Jae-myung Supreme Court justices', 'pro-Lee Jae-myung judicial panels', or a 'pro-Lee Jae-myung judiciary'.

He claimed that the rampant filing of 'law distortion' accusations is pressuring the judiciary, and there is a possibility of political external pressure influencing the exercise of judicial power.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan strongly criticized the fundamental problem of the discussion to increase the number of Supreme Court justices by 26. He pointed out that it is unacceptable for a defendant to intervene in the composition of the Supreme Court, which will ultimately try them, and to shake the judiciary in an attempt to fill it with people they desire.

He also criticized the tendency to approach judicial decisions with political logic, stating that it could seriously undermine the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan countered that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae is upholding principles because he has not become politicized. He argued that if Chief Justice Cho had become politicized or adopted a specific political leaning, he would have flattered.

He assessed that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae's current actions are based on the majority opinion and conscience of the judiciary.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan expressed concerns about fairness regarding the issue of judges in marital relationships within the judiciary. He pointed out that it is inconceivable for one of the nine Supreme Court justices and one of the fourteen Constitutional Court justices to be spouses.

He also criticized the lack of principles that shake the foundation of the judicial system, mentioning the cases related to Chairman Lee Jae-myung and the controversial acquittal of Kim Man-bae in the appellate trial.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan pointed out that the Chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee lacked understanding of the judicial system regarding the controversy over abolishing prosecutors' investigative powers under the Criminal Procedure Act. Amidst continued debate over transferring prosecutorial investigative functions to the Central Investigation Agency, he assessed that the Chairman's remarks amounted to an admission of his own lack of understanding.

He also added that it was inappropriate for a person suspected of asking for investigation favors related to themselves to attend the Law Day event.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan highlighted the problem of a supplementary investigation gap occurring in the field after the transfer of investigative powers. He explained that if the Central Investigation Agency conducts an investigation, it is unclear who would handle supplementary investigations, and in fact, the Central Investigation Agency cannot exercise supplementary investigative powers. He emphasized the practical contradiction by citing examples of the Anti-Corruption Investigation Office resisting demands for supplementary investigations.

He expressed concern that this could lead to inconvenience for citizens using judicial services and the potential neglect of public welfare crimes. He stressed that the adjustment of investigative powers could lead to confusion in the field and harm to the public.

A diagnosis emerged that the Democratic Party's approval rating has been declining for 6-8 consecutive weeks, with even the convention effect being absent. Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan cited the host's remarks, attributing this drop in approval ratings partly to the President's policy failures and loss of public trust.

He assessed that even the brief convention effect after the Democratic Party's convention has disappeared.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan analyzed the crisis of confidence in government policies. He pointed out that while the public previously believed the President's future policy directions were the best policies for the people after statistical review, this expectation is now turning into distrust.

He criticized that the credibility of statistical review in the policy-making process is declining, and the instability of policies being easily overturned even after party-government consultations is fostering public distrust.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan pointed out that the government is failing to provide assurance of sustained policy implementation, and that constantly changing policies are the problem. He emphasized that regardless of whether policies are right or wrong, approval ratings cannot rise when there is no trust.

This acts as a fundamental limiting factor for an increase in approval ratings and suggests that public distrust in government policies is deepening.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan predicted that the government would attempt to artificially boost approval ratings in stages by setting specific targets. Among these, he analyzed that the government would likely float the constitutional amendment issue prominently to change the political landscape, potentially embedding other sensitive issues within this process to pursue the amendment.

He foresaw this being used as a means for the current administration, caught between Chairman Lee Jae-myung's judicial risks and the need to resolve sensitive issues, to secure governing momentum. He added that the government would continuously push or shake with methods like political realignment to artificially raise approval ratings.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan demanded a clear explanation from the government regarding the promised amount of U.S. semiconductor investment. He pointed out the confusion, as a joint fact sheet in October last year indicated an agreement for $350 billion in investment, but the U.S. side mentioned $600 billion.

He added that he questions whether the pressure for corporate semiconductor investment is related to actual investment agreements.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan pointed out that the announcement of 800 trillion won investment in the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster was opened too quickly. He stated that this was a result of rushing the announcement without proper review to match the domestic political schedule.

He raised doubts about the hastily announced large-scale investment plan despite the lack of water and electricity, suggesting that the announcement might be driven by political demands rather than industrial needs.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan mentioned that the investment in the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster was decided early at the government's recommendation, contrary to the company's original plan to scout for sites after the completion of the Yongin Semiconductor Fab. He explained that the company accepted the government's recommendation 'under duress' and decided to invest.

As a result, the company faces management difficulties such as securing investment funds and labor issues, with additional pressure from the U.S. for more semiconductor investment exacerbating the burden, he pointed out.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan pointed out the uncertainty of the $350 billion investment plan until former President Donald Trump's term ends in January 2029. He criticized the government's lack of a U.S. trade negotiation strategy and stated that negotiation details are not being sufficiently explained to the public.

He noted that the current ruling party, which criticized the government's negotiation skills when it was in opposition, is now showing inadequate responses after taking power. He emphasized that there is a lack of clear organization regarding semiconductor investment, specifically 'what happened and what will be done'.

Vice Chairman Yoon Ki-chan criticized the government's pleading with companies for investment as an act that distorts the essence of business. He emphasized that companies are not government coffers and should operate to maximize profits based on their own decisions. Since prices are determined by supply and demand, this is an area companies must decide, he said.

He pointed out that corporate investments for political purposes risk undermining shareholder value, and the government's lack of negotiation skills could lead to a burden on U.S. investment. He expressed strong concern about political demands that do not consider companies' autonomous management rights and profitability.