Key facts
- The presidential office will not nominate one of two Supreme Court justice candidates recommended by the chief justice.
- The presidential office has asked the chief justice to make a new recommendation.
- A presidential spokesperson stated the initial recommendation lacked procedural completeness.
- The decision comes after accusations that the chief justice infringed on presidential authority.
SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's presidential office has decided not to nominate one of two Supreme Court justice candidates recommended by the chief justice and has requested a fresh recommendation from the head of the top court. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung announced the decision on Friday, following accusations from a presidential official that Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae had infringed on the president's authority. The customary practice involves recommending justice candidates after prior consultations. In early August, Cho recommended two sitting regional court judges for appointment. Kang stated that the recommendation of one candidate lacked "procedural completeness" and that the presidential office has asked Cho to provide a new recommendation instead of proceeding with the candidate for National Assembly approval.