Korea's parliamentary speaker on Monday urged political parties to reach a compromise on approval of four Supreme Court justice nominees, and threatened to put the confirmation bill to a plenary session on Aug. 1.
President Lee Myung-bak nominated the four male judges on June 15, but they have been waiting for parliamentary approval before officially starting their work, sparking concerns among legal circles.
Assembly Speaker Kang Chang-hee said in a meeting with legislators that the parliament should reach a deal on the confirmation bill in order to avoid a vacuum in the Supreme Court.
The opposition Democratic United Party (DUP) has said two of the four nominees are not qualified for the post because of suspicions of illegal dealings.
Among 13 top court judges, four retired on July 10 after completing their six-year terms.
More than 150 of 300 lawmakers need to be present at the parliament to put the nomination to a vote. Of the minimum 151, a majority of approval votes, at least 76, is needed to endorse the nomination.
The ruling Saenuri Party has 150 seats, followed by the DUP with 127, the Unified Progressive Party with 13, and another minor party and independent lawmakers with 10. (Yonhap)