SEOUL, South Korea — President Lee Jae-myung is contemplating the nomination of two senior judges from the Seoul High Court and a former defense lawyer to fill two vacant positions on the Constitutional Court. Discussions regarding the potential candidates are ongoing, according to officials with knowledge of the process.
Potential nominees include Presiding Judge Oh Young-joon and Judge Wi Kwang-ha, both serving at the Seoul High Court. Additionally, Lee Seung-yeop, who transitioned from a judicial role to practicing law and previously defended Lee in trials focused on election misconduct and unauthorized funds to North Korea, is also under consideration.
Officials confirmed that the nomination process is in its review stages, with various perspectives being taken into account. “We are examining their qualifications and listening to public opinions,” one official stated.
The prospect of nominating Lee Seung-yeop has raised eyebrows, given his past connection with the president during legal challenges that are presently on hold due to Lee’s immunity from prosecution while in office. Critics have suggested that this history might present a conflict of interest.
In response to these concerns, a presidential spokesperson clarified the administration’s stance, questioning the nature of the alleged conflict. “Is it that anyone who has worked on the president’s cases should be barred from taking on a public office? What exactly constitutes a conflict in this context?” the official asked.
These nominations come as the government seeks to fill the roles of two justices who exited the court in April. Recently, President Lee revoked the nominations of two candidates previously selected by former acting leader Han Duck-soo, contending that those decisions were beyond Han’s authority during a leadership transition after the imposition of martial law by ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Lee’s administration aims to navigate this sensitive phase while ensuring the integrity of the judicial system amid ongoing political scrutiny. The outcome of these nominations could significantly impact the Constitutional Court’s direction and public confidence in its operations.
The reappointment of justices who have a history with the current administration may serve as a pivotal moment for the court’s future, raising questions about judicial independence in a politically charged environment.
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