Han Deok-su: "Efforts for National Safety... Diplomacy Centered on National Interest and Self-Reliance Needed" (Update)

Yoon Seok-yeol Nominates Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as New Government's First Prime Minister on the 3rd

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol, on the 3rd, at the Presidential Transition Committee press conference hall in Tongui-dong, Seoul, nominated former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as the first prime minister candidate of the new government, with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo seated beside him. Photo by Transition Committee Press Photographers Group

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong and Jung Donghoon] Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been nominated as the first Prime Minister candidate of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Candidate Han said, "It is an honor, but at the same time, I feel a very heavy and great responsibility."

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol stated at a press conference held at the transition committee in Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 3rd, "Candidate Han has been recognized solely for his ability regardless of political affiliation and has extensive experience in key government positions," adding, "He is the right person to oversee and coordinate the cabinet based on his rich experience encompassing both public and private sectors and to carry out government tasks."

In response, candidate Han said, "First of all, the entire nation is engaged in a kind of war against the COVID-19 pandemic," and added, "I deeply appreciate the medical staff and nursing workers who are striving to protect the people from the infectious disease. I will work to protect the lives and safety of the people by overseeing and coordinating these government efforts."

Candidate Han also said, "Geopolitical risks are increasing and causing difficulties," and stated, "We must strengthen efforts for self-reliance for a strong nation and conduct diplomacy centered on national interests. I believe we must become a nation that is loved and trusted in the world."

He emphasized 'international balance of payments surplus' and 'integration for a highly productive nation.' Candidate Han explained, "It cannot be said that having a large surplus is always good, but we must maintain a surplus in the international balance of payments," and added, "We need to increase total factor productivity as discussed in economics. A society without integration lowers total factor productivity."