The First Female Judge of the Constitutional Court

For the first time in our history a female is appointed as the Judge of the Constitutional Court.

The Supreme Court announced on Aug.19, that the chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Choi Jong-young, appointed Chon Hyo-suk as a successor to the current Constitutional Court Judge, Han Dae-hyun, whose term expires on Aug.25. Ms. Chon is currently the chief of Criminal Department at the Seoul High Court.

The Supreme Court also decided to follow the established policy. On Aug.22, the chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Choi will request President Roh to inaugurate one person out of three candidates; Lee Keun-wong, President of the Daejon High Court of Justice, Kim Dong-keon, President of the Seoul District Court and Kim Yong-dam, President of the Gwangju High Court of Justice.

Regarding former Presiding Judge being appointed as a Judge of the Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court explained, “We emphasized the role and function of the Constitutional Court that is different from that of a Justice of the Supreme Court. Thus, we assessed more than anything, whether the person can reasonably represent and harmonize various interest groups of the society, such as understanding the socially weak people.”

Meanwhile, related to the stir caused by the nomination of the Justice of the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court decided to revamp the Supreme Court Justice Nomination Advisory Committee system and to carry out reform programs on the overall judicial system.

The Supreme Court also decided to settle details of personnel promotion reform measures before the year`s end and to reflect it in the nomination of the Justice of the Supreme Court and other judiciary promotions scheduled for next year.

The chief Justice of the Supreme Court also ordered the President of the Seoul District Court President to turn down the resignation letter submitted by its Presiding Judge Park Si-hwan on Aug.13.

Soo-Kyung Kim Jin-Kyun Kil skkim@donga.com leon@donga.com