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South Korea's Constitutional Court Faces Transition as Two Justices Retire

The bench now operates with seven members after an injunction halted acting president's nominations, delaying replacements until after the June election.

Moon Hyung-bae, the acting chief of the Constitutional Court, gives a speech during his retirement ceremony at the Constitutional Court on April 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
Outgoing Constitutional Court Justice Lee Mi-son speaks during her retirement ceremony at the court in central Seoul on April 18, 2025. (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • Justices Moon Hyung-bae and Lee Mi-son concluded their six-year terms on April 18, leaving the Constitutional Court with seven out of nine seats filled.
  • Both outgoing justices emphasized the importance of respecting Constitutional Court rulings as essential to upholding democracy and constitutional order.
  • The court's unanimous April 4 ruling to impeach former President Yoon Suk Yeol underscored its role in maintaining checks and balances.
  • An injunction suspended Acting President Han Duck-soo's nominations for two new justices, citing the acting president's lack of authority to make such appointments.
  • The vacancies are expected to remain until after the June 3 presidential election, potentially complicating rulings on significant cases in the interim.