Lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) and four other minority political organizations submitted the impeachment motion to the National Assembly.

Despite a unanimous ruling by the Constitutional Court judges, Choi has not followed the ruling yet, although three weeks have already passed, DP deputy parliamentary leader for policy Kim Yong-min told reporters.

Choi appointed two magistrates to the court in late December 2024, but postponed the appointment of opposition-recommended magistrate candidate Ma Eun-hyuk, citing the need for bipartisan consensus.

The DP has strongly criticized Choi, noting that his decision not to appoint the candidate is an unconstitutional act that violates the rights of the National Assembly.

The opposition parties cited four other grounds for impeachment, including Choi’s alleged involvement in President Yoon Suk Yeol’s imposition of martial law on Dec. 3; and his failure to appoint Supreme Court justice nominee Ma Yong-ju.

By law, an impeachment motion must be put to a vote within 24 to 72 hours after it is reported before a plenary session.

If National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, who has the authority to open plenary sessions, fails to convene one before the deadline, the motion could be dismissed.

ef/abo/mem/nvo