Moon Hyung-bae, the acting president of the Constitutional Court who recited the order for the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, was caught at a bus stop in Busan, attracting attention.
On the 21st, a short video titled "Judge Moon Hyung-bae, you are riding the bus" spread across various social media and online communities, following the previous day.
The author, identified as Mr. A, revealed a 2-second video, stating that he witnessed the former acting president at the bus stop the previous day.
The video captured the former acting president in conversation through the bus exit window. Mr. A noted, "It's heartwarming to see a person who was once a constitutional court judge waiting to take the bus."
The former acting president recited the order on April 4th, the day of the impeachment trial's ruling for former President Yoon Suk-yeol. After reading the summary of the judgment for 22 minutes, he stated while gazing straight ahead, "We dismiss President Yoon Suk-yeol." After his term ended, he stepped down on the 18th of the same month and garnered attention for his straightforward demeanor.
He also drew attention for his modest wealth and moral convictions. When he appeared for his confirmation hearing as a constitutional court judge, nominated by former President Moon Jae-in in 2019, his declared assets were approximately 670 million won.
In response, Rep. Baek Hyeyeon of the Democratic Party of Korea asked, "Isn't it too little for a person who has been a judge for 27 years?" The former acting president replied, "I promised myself that I would not stray from the average person's life when I got married," adding, "My actual wealth is less than 400 million won. I feel reflective, as it seems I have just surpassed the average wealth."
He also stated, "I will not engage in profit-making legal activities after my public service ends," reiterating his moral principles. A native of Hadong, Gyeongsangnam-do, the former acting president graduated from Jinju Daea High School and Seoul National University School of Law, passing the 28th National Bar Examination, and has consistently served as a judge in Busan and Changwon.