By Agbafo Ijeoma
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has approved the appointment of Kim Sung-soo as a new justice of the country’s Supreme Court, following the completion of the parliamentary confirmation process required for his elevation to the highest court.
The National Assembly on Thursday passed Kim’s confirmation motion during a plenary session, clearing the way for his appointment. A total of 227 lawmakers voted in favour of the motion, while 28 voted against it and 13 lawmakers abstained from the vote.
The president’s approval came a day after lawmakers endorsed Kim’s confirmation following a hearing held earlier in the week. His appointment followed a recommendation by Supreme Court Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae, who nominated Kim to President Lee last month as the successor to former Supreme Court Justice Lee Heung-ku.
The confirmation and subsequent presidential approval completed the parliamentary and executive procedures for Kim to assume his position on the Supreme Court. The process is required before a nominee can formally take office as a justice of the country’s highest judicial body.
Kim’s appointment is also significant as he will become the first Supreme Court justice to take office since President Lee assumed the presidency in 2025. His elevation therefore marks the first appointment to the court’s bench under the current administration.
