Park Jiwon Elected as Chair of the Constitutional Court Justice Nomination Hearing Special Committee

Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, has been elected as the chairperson of the Special Committee for the Confirmation Hearing of Constitutional Court Justices.

According to Park Ji-won on the 18th, he was elected as the chairperson of the Confirmation Hearing Committee for Constitutional Court Justices and held the first meeting despite the absence of lawmakers from the People Power Party. Kim Han-kyu from the Democratic Party was nominated as the opposition party's secretary, and Kwak Gyu-taek from the People Power Party was nominated as the ruling party's secretary, but the election did not take place due to their absence.

Park Jiwon, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Park stated, "In response to the national and contemporary demand for a nine-member Constitutional Court system, I will conduct the confirmation hearings swiftly, strictly, and fairly," adding, "As chairperson, I will maintain a neutral position and strive to ensure the committee meetings proceed smoothly."

He continued, "It has been decided that the confirmation hearing will be held on the 23rd, and candidates will be reviewed in alphabetical order on the 24th. Although the ruling party's secretary was not elected due to the absence of ruling party members at the first meeting, I earnestly ask that the ruling party participate in the confirmation hearings."

He further added, "The Secretary General of the Constitutional Court can serve as acting authority and appoint justices according to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee. Constitutional law scholars and the legal community also agree that appointment is possible, and I urge a prompt appointment," noting, "There is precedent for this. Hwang Kyo-ahn, as acting authority, appointed justices recommended by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and those appointed by the President did not exercise the appointment authority."