President taps new chief justice of Supreme Court

President Moon Jae-in on Monday nominated an incumbent head of a district court as the new chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Kim Meong-su, the head of the Chuncheon District Court in Gangwon Province, was designated the top court's new chief justice, according to the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae.

The 57-year-old has been working as a judge since passing the national bar exam in 1983.

Kim, if appointed, will replace outgoing Chief Justice Yang Sung-tae.

The Supreme Court chief justice nominee requires parliamentary approval for his appointment, following a confirmation hearing by a special parliamentary committee. (Yonhap)