South Korea’s Constitutional Court has called for the swift appointment of three justices to fill vacancies on its nine-member bench, a move essential to proceed with President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment trial over his martial law declaration.
During a televised press briefing on Tuesday, a court spokesperson stated that the incumbent justices urged the “rapid completion” of the court during a meeting on Monday. The six sitting justices emphasized that prioritizing Yoon’s impeachment trial is crucial.
On December 26, the National Assembly voted to appoint three new justices. Two nominees were proposed by the main opposition Democratic Party, and one by the ruling People Power Party. The appointments require ceremonial approval by the president.
Following the impeachment of both President Yoon and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Economy and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, has stepped in as acting president. Han was impeached after refusing to ratify the appointments of the new justices.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed on December 14 and delivered to the Constitutional Court, which has up to 180 days to deliberate. During this period, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.
Yoon faced charges of insurrection after declaring a state of emergency and martial law on December 3, a move that was quickly revoked by the National Assembly hours later. To permanently remove Yoon from office, at least six of the nine Constitutional Court justices must uphold the impeachment motion.
Reference(s):
South Korea's constitutional court urges early appointment of justices
cgtn.com
