Han Minsoo of the Democratic Party: "Unconstitutional Exercise of Authority"
Cho Kyungtae of the People Power Party: "Should Focus on Minimizing Conflict"
Prime Minister and Acting President Han Deok-su's nomination of two constitutional court justices in place of the president was called a "clear unconstitutional exercise of authority" by Han Min-soo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
On the 9th, Han said on YTN Radio's 'News Fighting,' "Acting President Han is a prime minister, not the president." The day before, Acting President Han appointed Ma Eun-hyuk, whose appointment had been delayed, as a constitutional court justice, and simultaneously nominated Lee Wan-gyu, head of the Legislation Office, and Ham Sang-hoon, chief judge of the Seoul High Court, as successors to Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-seon.
Han said, "Lee Wan-gyu, head of the Legislation Office, was a university classmate of former President Yoon Seok-yeol," adding, "He is currently under investigation as a suspect for allegedly sympathizing with a rebellion by the Corruption Investigation Office and the police. Is it acceptable for such a person to become a constitutional court justice?"
In response to the host's remark that "Acting President Han said legal review has been completed," Han said, "I don't exactly understand what legal review means. Acting President Han must clearly recognize who the sovereign of the Republic of Korea is," emphasizing, "The presidential election date has been set for June 3, and his role is to ensure stable election management until then."
He added, "The Democratic Party held an emergency supreme council meeting. There may be a need for legal action," and said, "This nomination is more likely influenced by some communication or instructions from former President Yoon rather than Acting President Han's own judgment."
Cho Kyung-tae, the most senior member of the ruling People Power Party, also expressed concerns in an interview with SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the same day. Cho said, "Among the two justices appointed by Acting President Han, Lee Wan-gyu, head of the Legislation Office, is currently under investigation for rebellion charges, so this appointment is undesirable."
He continued, "Considering Acting President Han's usually gentle personality, I wonder if he would make such a sudden personnel decision. I question whether this reckless move was truly his own will," pointing out, "During the Moon Jae-in administration, there were also 'entrenchment-style appointments' made shortly before terms ended. Such appointments cannot be considered appropriate."
He emphasized, "I hope Acting President Han focuses on minimizing social conflicts."
Meanwhile, Acting President Han stated regarding his exercise of nomination rights the previous day, "After listening to and carefully considering numerous opinions from both ruling and opposition parties, legal experts, journalists, and senior members of society," he said, "The decision to nominate successors took into account that the impeachment motion against the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy could be passed anytime in the plenary session of the National Assembly and is currently pending in the National Assembly's Judiciary Committee, as well as the ongoing impeachment trial of the National Police Agency chief. I take full responsibility for this decision."
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