Acting President Choi Sang-mok presides over a Cabinet meeting at the Government Complex Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps

Acting President Choi Sang-mok appointed two out of three Constitutional Court justice nominees, Tuesday, as he presided over his first regular Cabinet meeting after assuming the role.

Choi took on the position following former acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's impeachment by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Friday. Han was ousted for delaying the appointment of three Constitutional Court justice nominees who had won parliamentary approval on Thursday.

Choi appointed Jeong Gye-seon, nominated by the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), and Cho Han-chang, recommended by the ruling People Power Party (PPP), but said he would hold off the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk, nominated by the DPK, until rival parties reach a compromise.

His decision came after the National Assembly voted in favor of the appointment of three Constitutional Court justice nominees on Thursday.

"I earnestly request the ruling and opposition parties to use the appointment of two Constitutional Court justices as an opportunity to shake off political turmoil and move forward together to resolve the crisis and stabilize people's livelihoods in 2025," the acting president said during the Cabinet meeting.

At the Cabinet meeting, Choi vetoed special counsel bills to investigate insurrection charges against President Yoon Suk Yeol and multiple allegations against first lady Kim Keon Hee.

The DPK has warned Choi to refrain from exercising his veto powers over the opposition-led bills while the PPP called on Choi to veto two special probe bills, which call for special counsel investigations into Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law and various corruption allegations involving Kim.

Both bills were passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly earlier on Dec. 12, requiring the acting president to promulgate or seek parliamentary reconsideration by Jan. 1. They have not been tabled at a Cabinet meeting led by Han.

Choi said the special probe bills require more stringent standards, as certain clauses do not align with the Constitution.

"I understand the legislative purpose of the special counsel bill is to thoroughly uncover the truth and resolve public suspicions, but the government holds a responsibility to protect the Constitution. I have pondered countless times about whether it is truly responsible to promulgate bills whose question of unconstitutionality has not been resolved and which raise concerns about national interests and the people's basic rights," Choi said.