Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, Chief of Staff for Policy Sung Tae-yoon, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, and Senior Secretary to the President all resigned on Jan. 1, reportedly in protest of Acting President Choi Sang-mok’s decision to appoint two Constitutional Court justices the day before.

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.

Acting president Choi Sang-mok appointed one liberal and one conservative judge to the Constitutional Court as the National Assembly wrapped up its final plenary session with a slew of DP-railroaded bills.