Four candidates have been shortlisted to succeed Supreme Court Justice Kim Sang-hwan who will retire on December 27.

The top court’s committee on recommending candidates held a meeting on Thursday and decided to put forth four candidates out of a total 37 to Chief Justice Jo Hee-de. 

The four candidates are lawyer Cho Han-chang, Seoul High Court chief judge Hong Dong-ki and the same high court’s judges Ma Yong-joo and Shim Dam. 

The chief justice is set to disclose the four candidates’ key rulings and duties while gathering opinions through next Tuesday before selecting a final candidate and handing in a final recommendation to President Yoon Suk Yeol for appointment.