The Constitutional Court’s ‘deliberation’ resumes, impeachment trial verdict imminent… Variables of ‘Maeun Hyuk’s appointment’

The Constitutional Court Clears Schedule Until the 17th… Verdict ‘Imminent’, [Anchor], The judges of the Constitutional Court resumed deliberations on President Yoon’s impeachment trial today (the 4th), following the holiday period. There is speculation that a verdict may be delivered as early as this week. However, the appointment of Judge candidate Ma Eun-hyeok is a variable. [Reporter] Starting today (the 4th), the Constitutional Court judges who organized the issues during the holiday season will resume daily deliberations. The court has not scheduled separate events until the 17th, leading to observations that a decision on President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment could be imminent. It is likely that a conclusion will be reached by either later this week or by the 14th at the latest. The date of the verdict is typically notified 2-3 days in advance. Former president Roh Moo-hyun was notified three days prior, and former president Park Geun-hye two days prior to their verdict announcements. All announcements were scheduled on Fridays. However, there are many variables surrounding President Yoon’s impeachment trial that make a simple comparison difficult. Both the National Assembly and President Yoon’s team are making final efforts, such as submitting additional materials before the verdict date is set. A variable is the timing of the appointment of Judge candidate Ma Eun-hyeok. Acting President Choi Sang-mok plans to hear opinions from Cabinet members regarding Ma’s appointment today. Previously, Acting President Choi emphasized national unity along with law and principles during the March 1 Independence Movement Day ceremony. [Choi Sang-mok/Acting President (March 1 Independence Movement Day Speech): What is most important now is national unity. We must establish a culture of tolerance and collaboration based on law and principles.] However, whether Ma will participate in the verdict if appointed is up to the decision of the eight judges. If he joins the verdict, the conclusion may be delayed to late March or early April. This is due to the need for resuming arguments and renewal procedures upon the new judge’s joining, which could take about two weeks. [Video Editing: Yoo Hyungdo / Video Design: Shin Jae-hoon]