SEOUL, July 24 (UPI) -- South Korea is close to having its first woman justice on the nation's highest court, the Korea Times reported Saturday.
South Korea's Supreme Court has recommended President Roh Moo-hyun appoint Kim Young-ran, a senior judge from the Taejon High Court, to the 14-member panel.
If the National Assembly approves the recommendation, the 47-year-old woman will become South Korea's first female justice of the Supreme Court.
The court selected Kim as a candidate to succeed Justice Cho Moo-je, who retires next month.
"We requested the choice of Kim after considering a range of opinions and examining her decision-making ability, personality and attitude in serving the people," said Choi Jong-young, chief justice of the Supreme Court.
Kim's selection is seen as part of an effort by the court to meet public demand for judicial reform. The court has also been urged to better protect the basic rights of society's minority groups, including women, children and disabled people.
Kim, who studied at Seoul National University's law school with Justice Minister Kang Kum-sil, is recognized as a leading advocate of minority rights.
