Acting president withholds justice appointment

Mar 05, 2025, 10:13 am

		0
Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance, attends the 59th Taxpayer's Day ceremony held at the Art Hall of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul on March 4.

AsiaToday reporter Lee Han-sol

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has decided to withhold the appointment of Constitutional Court Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk.

Choi requested the prompt resumption of the National Policy Council, which the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has been boycotting, as a condition for Ma's appointment.

Choi held a closed-door meeting on Tuesday with cabinet members at the Government Complex Seoul and decided to withhold Ma's appointment. It is reported that many cabinet members recommended withholding the appointment due to concerns about political repercussions.

This closed-door meeting was likely held in response to internal criticism that there was no prior discussion during the appointment of previous Constitutional Court Justice nominees Jeong Gye-seon and Jo Han-chang last year.

During the cabinet meeting, Choi remained silent on the issue of Ma's appointment. Although Ma's appointment is not a matter for cabinet approval, it was expected to be discussed in the cabinet meeting as Choi has used it as a channel for public communication. Choi had previously mentioned the appointments of Jeong Gye-seon and Jo Han-chang in the cabinet meeting.

"In this unprecedented period of political uncertainty, the difficulties in the people's livelihood economy are worsening, and the nation is facing a serious time with the trade war initiated by the United States. The place where we need to find a breakthrough for the people's livelihood and the future of Korea, and lay the cornerstone for national unity, is the 'National Policy Council' where the ruling and opposition parties and the government work together. I earnestly request the grand cooperation of the political parties," Choi said.

The ruling and opposition parties as well as the government were scheduled to hold a National Policy Council meeting at the National Assembly at the end of last month to discuss issues related to the people's livelihood and policies. However, the meeting was canceled as DP Floor Leader Park Chan-dae boycotted it, citing Choi's failure to appoint Ma. Major issues such as pension reform, the Semiconductor Special Act, and the supplementary budget are currently adrift.

Choi also urged medical students to return to their studies. "It has been over a year since medical students left school. I sincerely hope that the talented individuals responsible for the lives of the people will return to school as soon as possible," he said.

Choi also urged the Ministry of Education to do its best to ensure the successful implementation of educational reforms, such as the expansion of the "Neulbom Schools" starting this year, AI digital textbooks, and the high school credit system.

He also called on the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and local governments to focus on handling accidents caused by snow and rain during the March 1st holiday and to prevent accidents in the spring season.

#acting president #Choi Sang-mok #justice #Ma Eun-hyuk #appointment