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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, presides over a National Security Council (NSC) meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 4. / Source: Yonhap News

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced on April 8 the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk as a justice of the Constitutional Court, following procedures outlined in the Constitutional Court Act and relevant legal precedents.

Han also nominated Lee Wan-kyu, Minister of Government Legislation, and Ham Sang-hoon, Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court, as successors to Moon Hyung-bae, the acting chief justice, and Justice Lee Mi-sun. The terms of both Moon and Lee are set to expire in ten days.

In a public address, Han said, “The appointment of Constitutional Court justices has been one of the most deliberated issues for me. I have endeavored to make decisions based solely on the Constitution and laws to prevent further national division.”

He emphasized the importance of impartiality in the selection process, noting that he had sought consensus from both the ruling and opposition parties and took into account historical precedents in constitutional governance.

Highlighting the nominees’ credentials, Han stated, “Lee Wan-kyu and Ham Sang-hoon have accumulated extensive experience in the prosecution and judiciary, respectively, and are highly regarded for their fair and just judgments.”

He expressed confidence that the Constitutional Court would continue to function as a steadfast guardian of constitutional order under the new appointees.

“I have made this decision solely for the nation, without personal interest,” Han concluded. “And I take full responsibility for it.”