Kang Dong-myung, chief judge of the Daegu District Court, said on the 20th that it was regrettable that Son Bong-gi, a senior judge at the court and a nominee for the Supreme Court, has yet to go through the National Assembly consent process despite being well qualified for the post.
Kang made the remarks during a parliamentary audit of regional courts, including the Daegu High Court, conducted by the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Asked by Rep. Park Hyung-soo of the People Power Party about Son's qualifications and competence, Kang said, "I find it regrettable that Senior Judge Son Bong-gi, whose excellence is acknowledged by all, has not been able to go through the National Assembly consent process."
Park asked whether a potential conflict of interest exists because the spouse of Kim Min-ki, a Seoul High Court judge who is also a Supreme Court nominee, is Constitutional Court Justice Oh Young-joon. Kang said, "I think there is a possibility." Park noted that conflicts of interest could arise now that a system allowing constitutional appeals against court rulings has been introduced.
Rep. Kim Ki-pyo of the Democratic Party of Korea rebutted Park's argument, saying it was inappropriate to raise the issue of a potential conflict of interest solely on the grounds that the couple are both judges.
When Park raised questions about the powers to nominate and appoint Supreme Court justices, however, Kang declined to state a specific position, saying, "I believe the chief justice has given a sufficient answer on this matter."
Rep. Kim Tae-gyu of the People Power Party also raised allegations of regional discrimination over the nomination of Son for the Supreme Court. "A widely respected Supreme Court nominee has emerged from the region and is being treated this way, yet the courts have remained dead silent internally," Kim said. "At the very least, the Daegu courts should point this out, and I believe it is right for judges to express their views collectively." He urged judges at the Daegu courts to speak out.