Seoul: Ma Eun-hyuk, a newly appointed justice to the Constitutional Court, has committed to making rulings solely based on constitutional principles. This pledge comes amidst concerns from the conservative bloc regarding his perceived "ideological bias."
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ma expressed these commitments during his inauguration ceremony, which took place soon after acting President Han Duck-soo appointed him as the ninth court justice. His appointment followed a significant delay tied to the impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
During the ceremony, Ma, who was recommended by the opposition, addressed societal worries regarding his new role. "I will translate the Constitution only based on the values prescribed by our Constitution, such as the principle of popular sovereignty, liberal democracy, rule of law, and the principle of social states," he stated. Ma emphasized his intention to perform his duties with both balance and impartiality, promising to "respect but not blindly obey" majority opinions and "listen but not lean toward" minority voices.
Ma's appointment occurred shortly after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon, who was removed from office following a brief attempt to declare martial law in December. Despite having been confirmed alongside two other justices by the opposition-controlled National Assembly late last year, Ma's appointment was delayed due to political disputes over the potential impact on Yoon's impeachment trial.
In related developments, Han nominated replacements for two retiring judges at the Constitutional Court. The Democratic Party criticized Han's actions, accusing him of exceeding his authority by exercising presidential nomination powers, and indicated they might pursue legal action in response.