"Six-member system" Constitutional Court...The possibility of a growing nine-member system transition

[Anchor]
The Constitutional Court, which is currently operating under a six-member system, can be impeached if it concludes unanimously.

However, the political community is rushing the process of filling three empty seats, increasing the possibility of a nine-member system.

Reporter Yeom Hye-won reports.

[Reporter]
Another interest in the impeachment process is the constitution of the Constitutional Court.

Currently, the Constitutional Court has only six judges left, with three of the nine vacancies.

Originally, it was only possible to conduct a hearing with more than seven judges, but the rule was recently suspended.

The impeachment trial is also possible under the six-member system.

However, in this case, all six judges must approve.

[Jang Young-soo / Professor of law at Korea University] It's completely different from impeaching 6 out of 9 people in favor and 6 out of 6 people in favor. Even if only one person opposes it, it is unconditionally dismissed, but if nine people oppose it, there is a big practical difference that can be passed even if two or three of them oppose it.]

This is why the National Assembly is rushing the process of appointing the remaining judges, centered on the opposition party.

Currently, the Democratic Party of Korea has recommended two candidates and one for the People's Power, and it is expected that the confirmation hearing will be held as early as the 23rd.

This means that if the appointment is made without a hitch, the Constitutional Court can return to the nine-member system before the end of this year.

Even if the impeachment suspends the president's duties as the final appointee, the acting president can appoint him.

In fact, during the impeachment of former President Park Geun Hye, Acting Constitutional Judge Lee Sun-ae was appointed by Hwang Kyo-ahn.

I'm Yum Hyewon of YTN.