National Assembly votes to appoint Constitutional Court justice nominees

Lawmakers cast their votes at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 26, 2024. Yonhap

SEOUL, December 26 (AJP) - Three justices nominated for the Constitutional Court of Korea were approved by the National Assembly on Thursday.

But their final appointments remain uncertain as they require approval from Acting President Han Duck-soo who insists that he can only proceed if the National Assembly reaches an agreement granting him the authority to do so.

The main opposition Democratic Party (DP), which holds a majority in the National Assembly, has been seeking to fill the court's three vacancies.

With only six out of nine justices currently seated, a unanimous decision to uphold the parliament's decision to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol is required for his ouster from power.

Among the three nominees, Ma Eun-hyuk and Jeong Gye-seon were nominated by the DP, while Cho Han-chang was recommended by the PPP. Ma's nomination was approved in a secret ballot with 193 votes in favor, one abstention, and one invalid vote out of 195 lawmakers present. Jeong's nomination passed with 193 votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Cho's nomination was approved with 185 votes in favor, six against, one abstention, and three invalid votes.

Most lawmakers from the PPP did not cast their votes, arguing that Han, as an acting president, is not entitled to have the authority to appoint them.

During a nationwide address earlier in the day, Han called for a parliamentary consensus first in order to proceed with the appointments.

Shortly after Han's address, the DP vowed to propose a motion to impeach him and put it to a vote on Friday.

If the motion passes, Han's duties as acting president as well as prime minister will be suspended, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok will replace Han.
Kim Joo-heon Reporter jhkim123@ajunews.com

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