Supreme Court Justice Cheon Dae-yeop has been nominated as a member of the National Election Commission, succeeding Chairman Noh Tae-ak, whose term as Supreme Court Justice is ending.
The Supreme Court announced on the 26th that Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae nominated Justice Cheon for the position. Concerns had been raised about potential vacancies in both the Supreme Court Justice and NEC Chairman positions due to delays in nominating Noh's successor, but the commission seat is now expected to be filled.
A Supreme Court official explained the nomination, stating, "Justice Cheon has earned respect and trust both inside and outside the judiciary through rulings based on extensive legal knowledge, balanced judgment, and high expertise in criminal law." The official added, "As Director of the National Court Administration, he demonstrated outstanding judicial administration capabilities and devoted himself to achieving swift and fair trials by resolving trial delays."
The official continued, "Justice Cheon has conducted reasonable and fair judicial work in accordance with law and principle, and has excellently performed judicial administration duties, making him well-qualified to stably carry out the duties of NEC member."
Justice Cheon began his judicial career in 1995 as a judge at the Eastern Branch of Seoul District Court. He served twice as a Supreme Court research judge, then as presiding judge at Seoul Central District Court, standing member of the Sentencing Commission, and presiding judge and chief presiding judge at Seoul High Court before being appointed to the Supreme Court in May 2021. His long tenure as a Supreme Court research judge has earned him recognition for strong command of legal principles, particularly in criminal law. He served as Director of the National Court Administration from January 2024 to January 2025.
Chief Justice Cho plans to request a confirmation hearing from the National Assembly for Justice Cheon soon. The six-year term for NEC members is separate from the Supreme Court Justice term.
Upon completing the National Assembly confirmation hearing, Justice Cheon is expected to assume the chairmanship of the NEC. The commission comprises nine members: three appointed by the President, three elected by the National Assembly, and three nominated by the Chief Justice. By convention, the NEC chairmanship has been held by the Supreme Court Justice serving on the commission.