Seoul: The Democratic Party (DP) announced on Tuesday that it is considering legal action against acting President Han Duck-soo's recent nomination of two Constitutional Court justices. The party argues that Han lacks the authority to make these nominations, as he was appointed by the ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
According to Yonhap News Agency, with the impending retirement of two standing judges, Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-son, set for April 18, Han revealed his choice of Lee Wan-kyu, minister of government legislation, and Ham Sang-hun, a justice of the Seoul High Court, as their successors. This announcement was made earlier in the day and has sparked controversy among political circles.
DP spokesperson Han Min-soo informed reporters that the party is contemplating legal steps to challenge the nominations made by the acting president. "Acting President Han has unconstitutionally abused his authority, so these nominations are fundamentally void," Han Min-soo stated, expressing the party's strong opposition to the move.
Furthermore, the DP spokesperson emphasized that the nomination of Lee Wan-kyu is "completely unacceptable," citing allegations against him. Lee Wan-kyu is reportedly facing charges of insurrection and has been reported to the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), raising questions about his suitability for the judicial position.