Former Justice Lee named Constitutional Court chief

By Kim Bo-eun

Lee Dong-heub

President Lee Myung-bak nominated Lee Dong-heub, a former justice at the Constitutional Court to be its chief justice, Thursday.

It is the first time a former justice at the Constitutional Court has become a candidate to head the court.

Lee Dong-heub, who served on the court's nine-member bench in 2006-2012, is set to replace Lee Kang-kook after going through a National Assembly confirmation hearing.

"He has committed himself to research in which he has outstanding capabilities, is fair and upright and shows warm consideration to staff members. He has earned respect and trust from fellow judges and staff," a presidential spokesman said.

He said Cheong Wa Dae discussed the nomination with President-elect Park Geun-hye.

Lee Dong-heub was born in 1951 in the southeastern city of Daegu and earned his bachelor's degree in law from Seoul National University.

He served as a judge for 28 years and spent six years as a justice at the Constitutional Court until September 2012.

The incumbent chief justice's term ends on Jan. 21.