Constitutional Court: "Jo Ji-ho, Possible Voluntary Appearance for Yoon Impeachment Trial... Consulting with Lawyers"

by Kwak Minjae

Published 19 Feb.2025 11:47(KST)

Commissioner Jo Ji-ho of the National Police Agency is in consultation with the Constitutional Court regarding his attendance at the 10th hearing of the impeachment trial of Yoon Seok-yeol.

Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae of the Constitutional Court and other justices are attending the 9th hearing of President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul on February 18, 2025. Photo by Joint Press Corps

Previously, Commissioner Jo submitted three written statements citing health reasons for his difficulty in attending. The Constitutional Court has issued a warrant for his compulsory summons and requested the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors' Office to execute it.

On the 19th, Cheon Jae-hyun, the Constitutional Court spokesperson, stated in a briefing that regarding Commissioner Jo's attendance at the 10th hearing as a witness, "We are consulting with the defense counsel about Commissioner Jo's attendance."

When asked by reporters whether compulsory summons would not be enforced, Spokesperson Cheon replied, "Commissioner Jo's side has expressed willingness to attend, so we are in consultation," adding, "There is a possibility of voluntary attendance." Commissioner Jo's witness examination is scheduled for 7 p.m. on the 20th.

In response to a question about whether Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, was requested as a witness in the impeachment trial of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, he said, "The National Assembly requested former leader Han as a witness," and "The decision on whether to accept the request has not yet been made."

The Constitutional Court stated that regarding the ongoing severe criticism and attacks against Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae and constitutional researchers, "We are collecting materials and evidence related to fake news, videos, and malicious comments targeting constitutional researchers," and "We are discussing whether to request a police investigation."