▲ Kim Sang-hwan, nominee for the new chief justice of the Constitutional Court, speaks during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly on July 21, 2025. (Yonhap)

Constitutional Court chief nominee-hearing

Parties clash over eligibility of Constitutional Court chief nominee at confirmation hearing

SEOUL, July 21 (Yonhap) -- Rival political parties clashed Monday over the eligibility of Kim Sang-hwan, nominee for new chief of the Constitutional Court, at his confirmation hearing amid controversies over his real estate investments and alleged political leanings.

The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) argued that Kim's nomination was "politically motivated," citing his past rulings that the party argued were favorable to President Lee Jae Myung, as well as his ties to a group of liberal judges.

The party highlighted the role of Kim, a former Supreme Court justice, in overturning a lower court's guilty verdict against Lee by issuing an opinion of acquittal in the top court's review of Lee's election law violation case in 2020.

"It is widely known that this is a crony appointment, and he is a favored man who is expected to save (President Lee's) political career once again for future cases that will be presented to the Constitutional Court," Rep. Suh Bum-soo said.

Other PPP lawmakers also took issue with Kim's real estate investments, accusing him of using insider information to profit through "gap investments."

Meanwhile, lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party defended the nominee, saying Kim is fit to lead the court as he has consistently protected the rights of the vulnerable and the underprivileged.

Kim was picked last month to replace then acting Constitutional Court Chief Moon Hyung-bae, who retired in April.

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