Speaker of the National Assembly Woo Won-sik urged Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as Minister of Economy and Finance, to immediately appoint Constitutional Court candidate Ma Eun-hyeok. Woo criticized Choi for undermining the country's foundation, as the Constitutional Court has deemed the delay in Ma's appointment unconstitutional.
On the afternoon of the 12th, Woo held a press conference at the National Assembly and said, "As the impeachment trial of President Yoon Seok-yeol is nearing its end, the confrontation and chaos are becoming very intense," and firmly demanded that Acting President Choi immediately appoint the Constitution Court judges elected by the National Assembly.
Woo noted, "Currently, we are incurring a huge expense to uphold the Constitution, but if acts that deny the constitutional order continue during this process, it will lead to even more disastrous consequences for the community known as the Republic of Korea," and requested that all state institutions and public officials clearly pledge their commitment to upholding the Constitution.
He also emphasized, "The Constitutional Court ruled that the acting president, prime minister, and cabinet members cannot refuse or selectively appoint individuals elected by the National Assembly as judges," adding, "Even today, two weeks after the Constitutional Court's decision, the constitutional obligation has not been fulfilled."
Regarding the delay in Ma's appointment, Woo pointed out issues including ▲denial of constitutional order ▲increased national instability ▲obstruction of social integration, and called for an expedited appointment. He also requested that the nomination of Supreme Court Justice candidate Ma Yong-joo and the referral of candidates for the special prosecutor on insurrection be conducted immediately.
Woo said, "The Constitutional Court is the institution that protects the Constitution through its interpretation and application. Failing to implement the decisions of the Constitutional Court is an act of betrayal of the duty to uphold the Constitution sworn by public officials," and added, "Choi is currently undermining the foundation of the nation and the integrity of public office."
He continued, "If you are not going to appoint immediately, publicly answer the reason for the continued unconstitutional situation and infringement of National Assembly authority to the people," and stated, "You must also clarify the reason for not appointing the Supreme Court candidate Ma Yong-joo nearly 80 days after the National Assembly's consent for appointment and the reason for not referring candidates for the special prosecutor on insurrection."
Earlier, the Constitutional Court stated on the 27th of last month that in the trial of the conflict of authority between the National Assembly and the president, filed by Woo against Acting President Choi, "The failure of Acting President Choi to appoint the candidate Ma, elected by the National Assembly on December 26 of last year, infringes on the National Assembly's authority to constitute the Constitutional Court," unanimously ruling to uphold the infringement of authority.