Chairman of the Board of Audit and Inspection, “The Supreme Court Chief Justice’s regular and uniform incentive payment violates the National Finance Act”

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Lee Sang-hyun = On the 12th, Chairman Kim Ho-cheol of the Board of Audit and Inspection said about the regular and uniform payment of incentives to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, "It violates the guidelines based on the National Finance Act."

When asked by Rep. Seo Young-kyo of the Democratic Party of Korea, chairman of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee of the National Assembly, whether payment was possible during the National Assembly audit on this day, Director Kim responded, "Because regular and uniform payment is not possible (according to regulations), we took precautions not to do so."

Representative Seo continued, 'Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae said he was not involved in the incentive money, and Director of the National Court Administration Noh Kyeong-pil said that the decision to pay is made by the Chief Justice. When asked, 'Who is right?', Director Kim confirmed, "I believe that the legal judgment was made by the director," and "(the director's words) are in line with the purpose of the National Finance Act and the enforcement guidelines."

Rep. Seo responded by saying, “The person who gave the money was in breach of duty, and the person who received the money was in business embezzlement,” and asked, “Since when did the Board of Audit and Inspection stop paying attention to (this kind of thing)? Why is that like that?”

Meanwhile, in response to People Power Party lawmaker Joo Jin-woo's question during the questioning process, Rep. Seo said, "Is it a violation if the president used special activity expenses for family golf?" and said, "I checked, and it's not special activity expenses at all."

Rep. Seo then strongly criticized Rep. Joo, mentioning that he left a comment on social media saying, "It's time to cut off Lee Jae-myeong," and said, "Is this what you want to say to the president of the Republic of Korea?" He then pointed out, “It’s the same with the Assassin(s) movie,” and added, “Is it okay for someone in power to attack the culture of ordinary people like that?”