Seoul, South Korea – April 2, 2024 – The South Korean National Assembly today passed a resolution urging Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to appoint Ma Eun-hye as a Justice of the Constitutional Court. The resolution, spearheaded by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea and other opposition parties, signals a growing political divide and intensifies pressure on the acting president.
The vote, held during a plenary session of the National Assembly, saw 186 lawmakers participating, with 184 voting in favor of the resolution. The ruling People Power Party largely boycotted the vote, with the exception of two dissenting members.
The resolution specifically calls on Acting President Han Duck-soo to immediately appoint Ma Eun-hye, who has been nominated as a candidate for the Constitutional Court. It also expresses support for National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik to file a request with the Constitutional Court for a ruling on a dispute over the acting president’s authority should he fail to appoint Ma Eun-hye.
This marks the second time the National Assembly has passed a resolution urging the acting president to appoint Ma Eun-hye. The continued push highlights the opposition’s determination to fill the vacant position on the Constitutional Court and potentially challenge the authority of the acting president.
The Constitutional Court plays a crucial role in South Korea’s legal system, ruling on the constitutionality of laws and resolving disputes between government branches. The appointment of justices is therefore a politically sensitive issue, particularly during periods of political transition.
This development underscores the ongoing political tensions in South Korea and raises questions about the future direction of the country’s judiciary. The acting president’s response to the resolution will be closely watched and will likely have significant implications for the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
Further Developments Expected:
- The acting president is expected to issue a statement addressing the resolution and outlining his position on the appointment of Ma Eun-hye.
- The National Assembly Speaker may proceed with filing a request for a constitutional ruling if the acting president does not comply with the resolution.
- The appointment process and the political maneuvering surrounding it are likely to continue to be a focal point of media coverage and public debate in South Korea.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, April 2). 韩国国会通过敦促代总统任命宪院法官决议案 [South Korean Parliament Passes Resolution Urging Acting President to Appoint Constitutional Court Justice]. Retrieved from [Insert original URL here if available, otherwise remove this line]
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