Yun Young-Chul named chief justice

President Kim Dae-Jung has named Yun Young-Chul, a former justice of the Supreme Court, as chief justice.

Yun will succeed Kim Yong-Joon, whose term will end September 14, Chong Wa Dae announced on August 23. Kim is scheduled to seek parliamentary endorsement of his appointment of the new chief justice around August 25 and will formally appoint Yun upon the completion of the parliamentary confirmation hearing.

Chief Justice nominee Yun, who hails from Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do, graduated from Kwangju High School and the Law College of Seoul National University. He served as chief judge of the Suwon District Court and Supreme Court justice before he retired in 1994 to practice law.

Meanwhile, successors to the four outgoing justices who are completing their terms will be named soon. Of the four new justices, one will be appointed by the President, two by the National Assembly speaker and one by the chief justice of the Supreme Court.

Choi Young-Mook ymook@donga.com