Korean Prime Minister Expresses "Deep Regret" Over Sang-min Lee's Impeachment, Pledges Best Efforts in Cabinet Management

"All Public Officials, Please Pay Special Attention to Maintaining Public Service Discipline and Dignity" Request

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Prime Minister Han Duck-soo expressed "deep regret" on the 8th regarding the passage of the impeachment motion against Minister of the Interior and Safety Lee Sang-min.

Prime Minister Han said, "Amid various difficult domestic and international conditions, an unprecedented situation in legislative history has occurred." He added, "As Prime Minister, I will do my best to manage the cabinet so that there will be no concerns among the people."

Han stated, "The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has quietly carried out numerous pending issues such as government innovation and disaster management," and urged, "I hope that going forward, without any wavering, the Vice Minister and the Head of the Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters will ensure thoroughness in the ministry’s core duties."

He especially requested, "All public officials should perform their duties without any disturbance, and pay special attention to maintaining public service discipline and dignity."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Meanwhile, in the afternoon session at the National Assembly, the impeachment motion against Minister Lee was passed in the plenary session with 293 out of 299 members present voting: 179 in favor, 109 against, and 5 abstentions. This is the first case in constitutional history where an impeachment motion against a Cabinet member has been passed.

With the passage of the impeachment motion in the National Assembly, Minister Lee’s duties will be suspended for up to 180 days until the Constitutional Court makes a decision. The final ruling must be made within 180 days from the date the impeachment motion is received, and impeachment will be confirmed if six or more of the nine Constitutional Court justices vote in favor.