SEOUL - Former Supreme Court Justice Cho Hee-dae has been nominated as the new Chief Justice of South Korea's top court. Renowned for his centrist conservative stance and principles, Cho brings a wealth of judicial experience to this prestigious role.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho Hee-dae, born in Gyeongju in 1957, embarked on his judicial career at the precursor to the Seoul Central District Court in 1986, following his graduation from the Seoul National University School of Law. His career path led him through various district courts across the country and a tenure as a judicial researcher at the Supreme Court. In 2012, he was appointed as the head of the Daegu District Court, and from March 2014 to March 2020, he served as a Supreme Court justice.

During his time at the highest court, Cho was known for often expressing conservative views in politically sensitive cases and earned the nickname "Mr. Minority Opinion" for his tendency to dissent from the majority. Following his departure from the Supreme Court, the 66-year-old Cho took up a teaching position at Sungkyunkwan University Law School, where he is respected by junior judges for his dedication to judicial duty and high level of self-discipline.

Cho's nomination as Chief Justice signifies the appointment of a figure known for his adherence to principle and conservative viewpoints, potentially shaping the direction of South Korea's judiciary.