New Constitutional Court Justice Ma Eun-hyeok was inaugurated on the 9th. It has been 104 days since the National Assembly elected him as a candidate. Accordingly, the Constitutional Court has returned to a 'nine-member system' after 174 days.

Constitutional Judge Ma Eun-hyeok is answering reporters’ questions while making his first day at work at the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of Nov. 9. /Courtesy of News1

Justice Ma said at the inauguration ceremony held at 10 a.m. in the auditorium of the Constitutional Court in Jongno-gu, Seoul, "I am well aware that there are concerns in our society regarding my appointment as a Constitutional Court Justice." He added, "I will interpret the Constitution solely based on the fundamental principles of the Constitution, such as popular sovereignty, liberal democracy, the rule of law, and the principles of a social state, so that those who are worried will not be concerned."

This remark seems to be conscious of the ideological bias controversy related to Justice Ma's past activities with the Incheon Regional Democratic Labor Alliance. The Incheon Regional Democratic Labor Alliance has been judged by the Supreme Court as a 'subversive organization.'

Justice Ma further stated, "During my duties, I will respect the views of the majority without blindly following them, while listening to the voices of minorities and the socially vulnerable, based on a warm perspective and affection towards humanity." He continued, "I will carry out my work with a balanced viewpoint and fair attitude, and I will strive to ensure swift hearings."