Regarding Concerns Over Appointment:
"I Will Interpret Solely Based on the Fundamental Principles of the Constitution"
"Will Perform Duties With a Balanced Perspective... Ensure Swift Trials"
"I will interpret the Constitution based solely on its fundamental principles, such as popular sovereignty, liberal democracy, the rule of law, and the principle of a social state, as stipulated by the Constitution."
On the 9th, Ma Eun-hyuk, a Constitutional Court Justice, stated this in his inaugural speech, acknowledging that he is well aware of the concerns regarding his appointment as a Constitutional Court Justice.
He added, "In carrying out my duties, I will respect the views of the majority without blindly following them, based on a warm perspective, affection, and consideration for human beings. I will listen to the voices of minorities and socially vulnerable groups without bias," and said, "I will perform my duties with a balanced perspective and a fair attitude, and strive to ensure swift trials."
He also pledged to establish constitutional standards for new challenges such as social integration, low birthrate, and aging issues. He said, "The constitutional principles and values presented in the Constitutional Court's decisions have served as standards for all state activities, including legislation, administration, and judiciary, and have acted as a driving force for social integration," adding, "I will continuously strive to derive constitutional standards for problem-solving related to new challenges such as low birthrate, aging, climate crisis, and gender issues."
Meanwhile, the acting President and Prime Minister appointed Justice Ma 40 days after the Constitutional Court's decision regarding 'Ma Eun-hyuk's non-appointment.' It has been 104 days since his election by the National Assembly. On February 27, the Constitutional Court clearly stated that the acting President's failure to appoint Justice Ma was an "infringement on the National Assembly's election rights." This means the appointment was delayed for more than three months.
Meanwhile, when announcing Justice Ma's appointment, the acting President also nominated Lee Wan-gyu, Director of the Legislation Office, and Ham Sang-hoon, Chief Judge of the Seoul High Court, as successors to the outgoing Acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae and Justice Lee Mi-sun, who will retire on the 18th. In response, Justice Ma told reporters he met on his way to work, "Since it is the first day, it is a bit early to say much."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
