South Korea narrows Supreme Court nominee list to four
· UPIAug. 5 (Asia Today) -- A judicial nomination committee Tuesday shortlisted four judges as candidates to succeed South Korean Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-gu, who is scheduled to retire Sept. 7.
The four candidates are Kim Moon-kwan, chief judge of the Busan District Court; Kim Seong-su, a presiding judge at the Seoul High Court; Kim Ye-young, a presiding judge at the Seoul Southern District Court; and Kim Jeong-jung, a presiding judge at the Gwangju District Court.
The Supreme Court Justice Candidate Recommendation Committee selected the four from a pool of 28 candidates during a meeting Tuesday and formally submitted the list to Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae.
The committee said it reviewed nomination documents, public comments, major rulings, professional records, financial disclosures, criminal or disciplinary histories and military service records.
It also said it considered opinions submitted by a broad range of groups and individuals regarding the qualifications of the candidates.
After completing its review, the committee determined that the four candidates were qualified and delivered their names to Cho in writing immediately after the meeting.
Cho will release information about the candidates' major rulings and professional records and receive public comments through Friday.
He is then expected to select one candidate and recommend that person to President Lee Jae-myung for appointment to the Supreme Court.
"The public expects the Supreme Court to resolve disputes promptly through swift and fair trials, provide reasonable standards for resolving disputes and faithfully protect the fundamental rights of citizens," committee Chairwoman Park Eun-jung said.
Park said the committee sought candidates who possess strong legal expertise, sound and balanced judgment and the integrity and ethical standards expected by the public.
South Korean Supreme Court justices are formally appointed by the president after being recommended by the chief justice and approved by the National Assembly.
The selection process could also result in two Supreme Court appointments.
A seat has remained vacant for nearly five months since former Justice Noh Tae-ak retired in March, and no successor has yet been formally recommended.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260804010001274