South Korea’s top court to rule on acting President Choi’s judicial delay

South Korea’s Constitutional Court will rule on Monday whether acting President Choi Sang-mok’s delay in appointing a judge was constitutional. The decision could impact the impeachment process of President Yoon Suk Yeol, adding further uncertainty to the country’s political crisis.

The court, which normally has nine judges, has been operating with eight after Choi postponed the appointment of nominee Ma Eun-hyuk. Under the Constitution, at least six judges must agree to uphold Yoon’s impeachment. The vacancy has raised concerns about the court’s ability to proceed with the case.

Choi took over as acting president after Prime Minister Han Duck-soo was impeached on December 27. Han, who initially assumed the role following Yoon’s suspension, was removed by the opposition-led parliament for failing to approve judicial appointments. His ouster left Choi, who was serving as finance minister, next in line.

Choi, a longtime economic policymaker, was appointed finance minister in 2023 by Yoon. He has spent most of his career in the finance ministry, handling economic policy, financial markets, and international business relations.

The crisis follows Yoon’s controversial attempt to impose martial law on December 3, which he blamed on the opposition’s repeated impeachment efforts against government officials. The Democratic Party, which holds a majority in parliament, has accused Yoon’s administration of obstructing judicial proceedings.

The court’s ruling on Choi’s judicial delay could determine whether Yoon’s impeachment moves forward or faces further legal challenges.

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