The upcoming retirement of Lee Jong-seok, the current Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court of Korea, is being considered for extension by the ruling party, despite opposition from the Democratic Party. Reports suggest that the opposition party forwarded a recommendation for the extension of Lee’s term to the ruling party, sparking debate over a potential reappointment. The Democratic Party views this reappointment as unacceptable, arguing that a new candidate should be sought to align with current circumstances.
Lee, a graduate of Seoul National University Law School and a colleague of President Yoon Suk-yeol, was appointed as a constitutional court justice in 2018. The ruling party is contemplating recommending him for a second term, prompting opposition concerns. The Democratic Party is assessing other potential candidates, such as judges Kim Sung-joo and Jung Gye-seon. The possibility of an extension for Lee raises suspicions of control amid potential impeachment proceedings, necessitating a parliamentary vote for reappointment. The decision remains pending, subject to further deliberation within political circles.
Source link