National Assembly Speaker Calls for Justice Appointment
On January 2, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik disclosed a bipartisan agreement letter regarding the appointment of three Constitutional Court justices recommended by the National Assembly. Woo urged Choi Sang-mok, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, to promptly appoint the remaining justice, citing the agreement as a clear mandate.
According to the Speaker’s Office, the Constitutional Court informed the National Assembly of the expiration of the terms for three justices in August. Subsequently, on December 9, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party (DP) submitted their respective nominations: Cho Han-chang from the PPP, and Ma Eun-hyuk and Jeong Gye-seon from the DP.
Despite the National Assembly’s agreement, Choi Sang-mok has only appointed Cho and Jeong while withholding Ma’s appointment, stating that bipartisan consensus needs to be reaffirmed.
Background on the Dispute
The Constitutional Court, comprising nine justices appointed by the President, includes three members each nominated by the President, the National Assembly, and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. The terms for three justices recommended by the National Assembly expired in 2024, necessitating new appointments.
The process faced complications after the emergency martial law declared by President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 3 led to the impeachment of Prime Minister Han Deok-soo for failing to appoint the three nominees. Choi Sang-mok, next in line as acting president, took charge of the appointments but has delayed Ma Eun-hyuk's confirmation.
Speaker Woo and the Democratic Party argue that the delay violates the legislative branch's rights. The DP's spokesperson, Kang Yoo-jung, stated in a radio interview that Choi's actions amount to a "severe infringement on legislative authority."
Constitutional Court’s Stance
The Constitutional Court has taken up a constitutional complaint regarding the delayed appointment. Deputy Public Affairs Officer Cheon Jae-hyeon emphasized the urgency of resolving the matter and reaffirmed the Court’s goal to ensure its full composition for fair and expedited deliberations.
The deadlock over the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk highlights ongoing political tensions between the ruling and opposition parties. The resolution of this issue is critical for restoring the Constitutional Court's full functionality and upholding the balance of power between branches of government.
Key Points Summary
- Speaker Woo Won-sik revealed bipartisan agreement letters urging Acting President Choi Sang-mok to appoint Ma Eun-hyuk as Constitutional Court justice.
- Choi has appointed only two of the three nominees, delaying Ma’s confirmation and citing the need for reaffirmed consensus.
- The Constitutional Court is set to expedite its review of the constitutional complaint against the delayed appointment.
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