A motion seeking the parliamentary approval of Constitutional Court Chief Justice nominee Kim Yi-su has been rejected.
 
The National Assembly convened a plenary session on Monday and put to a secret vote the motion on Kim’s appointment amid the participation of 293 lawmakers. One-hundred-45 lawmakers voted in favor, 145 against and one abstained. Two votes were invalid.

The motion requires the approval of more than half of the lawmakers present in order for it to pass the Assembly. 
 
It is the first time in Korea's history for a motion seeking the approval of a constitutional court chief justice nominee to be rejected in parliament.
 
It also marked the first time for a nominee of President Moon Jae-in to be voted down since the launch of his  government.