Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae nominated Son Bong-ki (senior judge of the Daegu District Court) and Kim Seong-soo (senior judge of the Seoul High Court) as successors to former Justices Noh Tae-ak and Lee Heung-koo. This was done through a 'unilateral nomination' method without prior consultation with the presidential office, leaving the president's approval unclear. Candidate Son Bong-ki is from Busan and is recognized for his excellent practical skills and communication abilities. Candidate Kim Seong-soo is from Jeollanam-do and is evaluated for his outstanding courtroom practice skills and amiable personality. Both candidates are graduates of non-Seoul National University and are noteworthy for their lack of political affiliation. However, due to the delay in nominating justices, a situation of 'two vacancies for justices' is expected, raising concerns that the announcement of important cases such as Ms. Kim Kun-hee's 'three suspicions' case may be delayed.
