Kim Jeong-won, Secretary General of the Constitutional Court, who attended the plenary session of the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee, stated that the justices are carefully reviewing the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol.
Kim Jung-won, Secretary General of the Constitutional Court, is speaking at the full meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held at the National Assembly on the 31st. 2025.3.31 Photo by Kim Hyun-min
On the 31st, Secretary Kim appeared before the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee and responded to a question from Park Jun-tae, a member of the People Power Party, saying, "Several deliberations have been held, and in-depth discussions and reviews are ongoing," adding, "Since this is a case of great public interest and impact, the trial is being conducted with utmost caution."
He refrained from commenting on the specific details of the deliberations. Secretary Kim said, "Deliberations are held frequently and whenever necessary," but did not mention the number of deliberations or the stages of deliberation. He also added, "We are not aware of the contents of the deliberations," and "We are doing our best in the duties entrusted to the court."
Regarding whether the Constitutional Court could deliver a verdict on President Yoon's impeachment trial by April 18, the retirement date of Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae and Justice Lee Mi-seon, he said, "The basic goal is to do so as soon as possible," but added that he was not in a position to comment on the specific timing.
Regarding the so-called Constitutional Court Justice Term Extension Act being promoted by the opposition parties including the Democratic Party, he replied that it is being reviewed internally and that there is no official position yet. The proposed amendment to the Constitutional Court Act includes provisions allowing justices to continue performing their duties after their term expires or they reach retirement age until their successors are appointed. It also includes a provision that if the president does not appoint a justice candidate nominated by the National Assembly and the Supreme Court within seven days, the candidate is deemed appointed.
Regarding this, Prime Minister and Acting President Han Deok-su, who has not appointed Justice candidate Ma Eun-hyeok, said, "In the impeachment trial of Prime Minister Han, it was stated that the act of not appointing violates the Constitution and laws," adding, "We hope that the constitutional procedures will operate accordingly."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
