S. Korea names new president of Constitutional Court

President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday named a current justice of the Constitutional Court as its new chief, his office said, Yonhap reports. 

Justice Lee Jong-seok, who has been serving on the nine-member bench since 2018, was picked to replace Constitutional Court President Yoo Nam-seok following his retirement next month, according to presidential chief of staff Kim Dae-ki.

Lee's appointment will be subject to a parliamentary confirmation hearing followed by a vote by the National Assembly.

The nominee previously served as a senior judge at the Seoul High Court and chief of the Suwon District Court, among other positions.

He is considered a conservative member of the bench and will likely serve as president only for the remaining 11 months of his six-year term as justice.

Lee entered Seoul National University School of Law in 1979 at the same time as Yoon.