Seoul: The Constitutional Court is set to issue its ruling on Thursday regarding the constitutionality of Acting President Choi Sang-mok's decision to delay appointing a ninth justice to the bench. This decision has been a point of contention due to its potential impact on high-profile cases.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Choi had appointed two justices in December but postponed the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk, a candidate recommended by the opposition. Choi cited the need for bipartisan agreement as the reason for the delay. In response, Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik filed a competence dispute case against Choi, asserting that the acting president's inaction infringes on the National Assembly's authority to elect a Constitutional Court justice.
The judicial community revealed on Tuesday that the court informed both parties involved that a ruling on Ma's case will be announced at 10 a.m. on Thursday. This decision was initially scheduled for February 3 but was delayed for an additional hearing on February 10 at Choi's request.
The appointment of justices to the nine-member bench has sparked controversy, particularly because the court is currently one member short. The composition of the court is crucial as it could influence the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol. A minimum of six justices' consent is required to sustain Yoon's impeachment by the National Assembly, which was prompted by his brief imposition of martial law on December 3.