The Constitutional Court of South Korea has called for the expedited appointment of three new justices to address vacancies on its nine-member bench. This urgent move comes as the court prepares to handle the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk-yeol, following his controversial declaration of martial law.
During a televised press briefing on Tuesday, a court spokesperson emphasized the need for a swift completion of the appointment process. The existing six justices have prioritized Yoon's impeachment trial, highlighting the significance of the case.
On December 26, South Korea's National Assembly, controlled by the opposition Democratic Party, approved the nomination of two justices from the Democratic Party and one from the ruling People Power Party. These appointments now await ceremonial approval by the president.
Following the impeachment of President Yoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has assumed the role of acting president. Prime Minister Han was impeached after declining to ratify the appointment of the necessary justices, further intensifying the political crisis.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 and has been referred to the Constitutional Court for deliberation. Yoon's presidential authority has been suspended during this 180-day period as the court reviews the case. To successfully remove Yoon from office, at least six of the nine justices must uphold the impeachment.
Yoon's impeachment follows his declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, which was quickly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. Investigative agencies have now named Yoon a suspect on an insurrection charge, adding to the complexities of the impeachment process.
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South Korea's constitutional court urges early appointment of justices
cgtn.com
