Constitutional Court "Ongoing Discussion on Whether a 6-Member Panel Can Deliver Rulings... No Decision Made Yet"

The Constitutional Court announced on the 27th that it is continuing to discuss whether it is possible to deliver a ruling on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial under the '6-member system.'

Lee Jin, Public Relations Officer of the Constitutional Court. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

Lee Jin, the Constitutional Court spokesperson, said at a briefing held at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "A ruling can be made with the 6-member system, or it may not be," adding, "The situation is changing, so discussions are ongoing. Nothing has been decided yet."

The Constitutional Court currently operates with six justices due to three vacancies not yet filled. Previously, during the impeachment trial of Lee Jin-sook, Chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission, the Court accepted a provisional injunction related to the quorum for the trial, temporarily suspending the effect of the Constitutional Court Act provision requiring seven or more justices to hear the case, allowing the trial to proceed with six justices. However, legal circles remain divided on whether the Court can make a final decision with only six justices.

The power of attorney for President Yoon's legal representatives was submitted to the Constitutional Court around 9 a.m. today. It is understood that documents related to martial law, such as the Cabinet meeting minutes and proclamations requested by the Court from President Yoon's side, were not submitted.

Regarding the controversy over the quorum for the impeachment motion against Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the spokesperson responded, "As I mentioned yesterday, since no decision has been made yet, there is no official position from the Constitutional Court."

The Constitutional Court will hold the first preparatory hearing for President Yoon's impeachment trial at 2 p.m. today in the small courtroom of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul.