Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, serving as acting President, nominated two candidates for constitutional justices on the President's behalf, and Minister Park Sung-jae said on the 14th, "I think it can be appointed if deemed necessary."
During the government questioning session at the National Assembly that day, when Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae asked, "The appointment of constitutional justices by the acting President is outside the scope of authority," Minister Park replied, "The constitution does not provide specific regulations regarding the scope of the acting President's authority, and I understand that there are various views in academia and practice."
He added, "The composition of the Constitutional Court is divided into legislative, judicial, and executive branches, and the current issue involves the executive branch," and noted, "This part should be carefully considered regarding the principle of separation of powers, which is the most fundamental spirit of republicanism."
Deputy Kim replied, "The principle of constructing constitutional institutions is that elected powers like the President and National Assembly do it," adding, "However, how does an acting official exercise authority? This is akin to a second coup d'état. We must demand the withdrawal of the nominations."
Minister Park said, "I understand that the Prime Minister made the decision after various considerations, and I respect that decision," and added, "Since the case is currently pending as a provisional injunction, it is not appropriate for me to comment on what is right or wrong."
He also commented on the acting President's statement last December 26 that, "I will suspend the appointment of constitutional justices until the ruling and opposition parties reach an agreement and submit a proposal," saying, "I think the situation is somewhat different when the President is in a state of suspended authority compared to a complete vacancy of authority."