Jeong Gye-son and Jo Han-chang — newly appointed by acting President Choi Sang-mok officially took office Thursday, kicking off an eight-member bench.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday directed the government to address necessary improvements to the airline operation system, as the country mourns a tragic plane crash that claimed 179 lives.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok became on Friday South Korea's second acting president in two weeks, as lawmakers voted to impeach the current acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, fuelling political uncertainty in Asia's fourth-largest economy.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday issued a New Year's message, sharing his vision of overcoming the current crisis wisely as the country faces grave sadness for the loss of 179 lives in a Jeju Air's plane crash and presidential impeachment.

The presidential office voiced regret Tuesday after acting President Choi Sang-mok appointed two justices to the Constitutional Court, saying he has gone beyond his authority as the interim leader by going ahead with the appointments.