A Gwangju High Court judge has been selected to succeed outgoing Supreme Court Justice Lee Ki-taik, whose term is set to expire in September.

According to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, Chief Justice Kim Myeong-su recommended to President Moon Jae-in the appointment of Oh Kyung-mi, a judge at the Gwangju court's Jeonju Branch.

Oh was one of three candidates put forth by a recommendation panel, along with Son Bong-gi, a senior judge at the Daegu District Court, and Ha Myeong-ho, a Korea University law professor.

The top court cited Oh's will to guarantee the judiciary's autonomy and the public's basic rights as well as her conviction to protect the socially vulnerable. It also noted her ability to make reasonable and fair judgments.

Should Oh be formally appointed after a parliamentary confirmation hearing, four out of 13 Supreme Court justices will be women, which would be an all-time high.