Confirmation Motion for Supreme Court Justice Nominee Kim Sungsoo Passes National Assembly Plenary Session

The motion for the appointment of Kim Seongsu as Supreme Court Justice was passed at the plenary session of the National Assembly on September 17.

On the afternoon of that day, the National Assembly convened a plenary session, submitted the motion for Kim's appointment, and approved it with 227 votes in favor, 28 against, and 13 abstentions, out of a total of 268 votes cast.

Kim Seongsu, nominee for Supreme Court Justice, is delivering an opening statement at the confirmation hearing held at the National Assembly on September 14, 2026. Photo by Dongjoo Yoon

Previously, President Lee Jaemyung had requested the National Assembly’s consent for Kim’s appointment on August 31. The National Assembly formed a special committee on the confirmation of Supreme Court justices, held a confirmation hearing on September 14, and at a full committee meeting on September 16, adopted a confirmation report on Kim by bipartisan agreement.

During the plenary session review on this day, Kim Hyungdong, the ruling People Power Party’s representative on the confirmation committee, explained the party’s supporting opinion, stating, "He possesses extensive practical experience and comprehensive legal knowledge, and has demonstrated an intention to maintain political neutrality on current issues, including the Supreme Court Justice appointment process."

Assemblyman Kim continued, addressing the opposition’s view that Kim Seongsu is unfit, "Some of his answers to major issues were not clear enough to guarantee political neutrality, and there have been suspicions regarding contracts and tax issues related to his owned apartment," adding that "it is difficult to assess that he has fully demonstrated the morality and qualifications required of a Supreme Court Justice."

Meanwhile, as the motion for appointment has passed the National Assembly, Kim Seongsu will begin a six-year term as Supreme Court Justice once President Lee Jaemyung grants final approval.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.