National Assembly approves 3 nominees to top court

The National Assembly on Wednesday voted in favor of three nominees to the Supreme Court, days after a fourth candidate withdrew his nomination amid mounting pressure over his alleged ethical lapses.

Rival parties for weeks disputed the eligibility of Kim Byung-wha as a Supreme Court justice, leaving the 13-member court in limbo following the retirement of four justices at the end of their six-year terms on July 10.

The main opposition Democratic United Party accused Kim of a string of ethical lapses, including false resident registration, involvement in a massive scandal surrounding ailing savings banks, and unfair privileges in the mandatory military service of his eldest son.

The ruling Saenuri Party defended Kim, who insisted on his innocence.

The political standoff resolved itself after Kim withdrew his nomination last Thursday, citing disruptions to the work of the Supreme Court.

At a plenary session Wednesday, lawmakers endorsed motions for the approval of the three remaining nominees.

Ko Young-han was approved by a vote of 226-39 and five abstentions, Kim Shin was approved by 162-107 and one abstention, while Kim Chang-suk was approved by 173-94 and three abstentions.

More than 150 of 300 lawmakers were required to be present at the parliament to put the motions to a vote. Of the minimum 151, a majority of approval votes, at least 76, was needed to endorse each motion.

The parliament's approval paves the way for President Lee Myung-bak to formally appoint Kim Shin, Kim Chang-suk and Ko Young-han to the top court.

The Supreme Court has reportedly started its selection process for a new nominee to replace Kim Byung-wha. (Yonhap News)