On January 1st, it was reported that Kim Tae-gyu, the acting chairman of the Korea Communications Commission, submitted his resignation. This appears to be in protest against Choi Sang-mok, the acting president, and his unilateral push to appoint a constitutional court judge.
According to a comprehensive report by TV Chosun, Acting President Choi expressed his intention to appoint a constitutional judge during a state council meeting on the 31st. However, it was revealed that the announcement was made without prior discussion with cabinet members. As a result, multiple state council members and attendees strongly protested, questioning why such a significant decision was made without any consultation.
Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moon-soo reportedly asked, “This is a politically significant matter; did you have discussions with the ruling or opposition parties, or even in a party-government meeting?” Acting President Choi explained the background of his decision by stating that it was a conclusion he reached after long consideration.
In response, Acting Chairman Kim Tae-gyu criticized the decision, stating, “Making such an important decision without consulting cabinet members is lacking democratic legitimacy.” He argued that “democratic legitimacy comes from the president,” and expressed strong opposition, saying, “It is inappropriate for an acting official, who doesn’t even require parliamentary approval like a prime minister, to make such appointments.” Acting President Choi acknowledged that his decision was “overstepping” and stated that he would resign. He added that he had intended to resign earlier if not for the incident at Muan Airport. Subsequently, Kim Tae-gyu, in opposition to the unilateral appointment, went ahead and submitted his resignation.
During the meeting, some ministers remained silent, but the majority of cabinet members raised their voices in opposition. A participant questioned Acting President Choi if he had ever met with the constitutional judges currently deliberating on President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment. Choi responded that he had not met with the judges or discussed it with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik.
One cabinet member questioned, “Prime Minister Han Duk-soo and Acting President Choi, persuaded by bipartisan agreement, faced impeachment over appointing a constitutional judge. How can all this be overturned in a few days?” Another asked, “If the Prime Minister returns due to the constitutional court’s decision, what then?” During the heated debate, Acting President Choi left the meeting room early.
Previously, Acting President Choi had recommended to Prime Minister Han the need to appoint a constitutional judge. Prime Minister Han considered the necessity of the appointment but emphasized bipartisan agreement. Throughout this process, opinions from the Minister of Legislation, ruling and opposition parties, and other relevant individuals were reportedly gathered. However, the current appointment process seemingly did not involve even the Minister of Legislation, Lee Wan-kyu, who was reportedly unaware beforehand.
Kwon Seong-dong, the floor leader of the People Power Party, also expressed “strong regret” over the constitutional judge appointment. Both acting leader Kwon Young-se and floor leader Kwon attempted to persuade Acting President Choi to halt the unilateral appointment, but they were unsuccessful.
Additionally, it was reported that on the morning of January 1st, the chiefs of the presidential office, the Secretariat, the Security Office, the diplomatic security adviser, and all senior secretaries submitted their resignations to Acting President Choi in protest.