By Jeon Han and Lee Hana
Photos = Jeon Han
May 19, 2017 | Cheong Wa Dae

President Moon Jae-in nominated a new chief justice of the Constitutional Court on May 19.

The president, who arrived at Cheong Wa Dae's Chunchugwan briefing room without prior notice, made the announcement that he had tapped incumbent Constitutional Court justice Kim Yi-su as the court's new chief justice.

"There has been much concern over the fact that the Constitutional Court, a pillar of our country's judicial branch, has had an acting chief justice for the past several months. This is why we decided to prioritize this particular appointment," said the president.

"Kim Yi-su, the nominee, shows the determination to protect our constitution and a strong will to protect human rights. Moreover, he is someone who keeps government power in check while making heard the voices of minority groups and of the socially weak. I believe Kim is the nominee who will make sure that all members of society get a chance to be heard by their leaders," he said.