Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae arrives for work at the court in Seoul, South Korea, 13 February 2026. Photo by YONHAP / EPA

Sept. 4 (Asia Today) — South Korea’s Supreme Court said Friday it would delay announcing its position on Cheong Wa Dae’s request for the renomination of a Supreme Court justice candidate.

“The court is carefully reviewing the current matter concerning the nomination of a Supreme Court justice,” the court said in a notice to reporters.

“There will be no separate official announcement today. We will provide an update as soon as the review is completed.”

Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae did not answer reporters’ questions Friday morning as he arrived at the Supreme Court in Seoul’s Seocho district about when he would submit another nomination.

Cheong Wa Dae requested a new nomination last week.

At the time, Cho told reporters that he was reviewing the matter and expected to announce an official position after reaching a conclusion this week.

Cho’s schedule was disrupted after his father died Sunday and he took four days of leave.

After returning to work Thursday, Cho said he had not discussed or received reports on court business during his absence.

“I will first hear what has happened and then make an official statement,” Cho told reporters.

Asked whether a new Supreme Court Justice Candidate Recommendation Committee would be formed, Cho said he would respond after reviewing the discussions and developments that occurred while he was away.

Cheong Wa Dae last week asked Cho to make another nomination to replace former Justice Roh Tae-ak.

Cho had recommended Son Bong-ki, chief judge at the Daegu District Court, for the vacancy.

The presidential office said it would seek a new nominee because Cho submitted Son’s nomination in writing without following the customary consultation process between the president and chief justice, leaving the process procedurally incomplete.

With the Supreme Court delaying its response, the court’s position could be announced as early as next week.

— Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260904010001849