The issue of appointing three Constitutional Court justices has reached a critical point. On Thursday, the National Assembly passed a bill to name these justices, placing the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of Acting President Han Duck-soo. However, political tensions are escalating as the opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) threatens to initiate impeachment proceedings if Han delays the appointments any further. The DPK has set a deadline of Friday morning for Han to fulfill the demand, after extending the original deadline in an effort to push through the impeachment process on Dec. 24. Han has stated that he will not appoint the justices until both the ruling and opposition parties reach an agreement on the matter.

At the same time, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) is resisting the idea of appointing the justices, arguing that Han, as acting president, does not have the authority to make such decisions. They claim Han is only temporarily filling in for President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose suspension does not alter his status as president. However, this argument is not only legally flawed, but it also stands in opposition to the position taken by both the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, which have confirmed that Han does indeed have the authority to appoint the justices.

The PPP's current stance is contradictory to its earlier position, when it urged Yoon to use his veto power to block various impeachment bills proposed by the opposition. The ruling party's actions now seem aimed at delaying the impeachment process in hopes of securing a more favorable court ruling in the future. This approach risks creating a dangerous precedent where political maneuvering, rather than legal principles, governs key decisions affecting the nation's constitutional integrity.

It is crucial that the appointment of the Constitutional Court justices be handled without political interference. The acting president must act promptly and decisively, exercising the power granted to him by law, regardless of political pressures from either side. The appointment of these justices is not a matter for party-based negotiations or bargaining. Rather, it is a constitutional duty that must be fulfilled to ensure the proper functioning of the judiciary and to allow the impeachment process to move forward as required by law.

The impeachment process itself is a serious matter. It is not a political tool to be used in power struggles, but a constitutional mechanism by which the people hold their leaders accountable for any violations of trust. It is essential that this process be conducted in accordance with legal procedures and constitutional principles, rather than being influenced by partisan maneuvering. The delay in appointing the justices, driven by political considerations, undermines the Constitutional Court's ability to effectively carry out its role in overseeing such proceedings.

In addition to the immediate concerns regarding the justices' appointments, there are other significant issues that demand the government's attention. As the country faces mounting challenges across various sectors — particularly in security, diplomacy, and the economy — the delay in addressing these matters due to political disputes is highly irresponsible. The appointment of the justices should not be used as a bargaining chip in larger political negotiations. The government, under the leadership of the acting president, must take swift action to restore stability and normalcy to the administration. This requires that the impeachment process and other critical matters be addressed promptly, without delay or further dispute.

Another issue that cannot be ignored is the ongoing controversy surrounding the president's declaration of martial law and the allegations of stock fraud involving his wife, first lady Kim Keon Hee. The DPK has pushed for the appointment of a special counsel to investigate these matters, but this has also led to disputes about the constitutionality of such a move. There are concerns that the opposition's push for a specific special counsel could undermine the impartiality of the investigation. The process of investigating these serious allegations must be handled with utmost care to ensure transparency and fairness, avoiding any potential for political influence or interference.

The solution to these challenges lies in close consultation and cooperation between the government, the ruling party, and the opposition. Political differences must not obstruct the country's ability to move forward. The people's trust in the government is at stake, and it is essential that the government acts in a manner that upholds the principles of justice and constitutional integrity.

The acting president now faces a critical responsibility. He must not allow political disputes to delay his constitutional duties. The nation's stability hinges on prompt and effective action in addressing the appointments of the justices, the impeachment process, and the investigation into serious allegations against the administration. It is time for Han to lead decisively and ensure that the country moves toward a more stable and lawful future.