Managing the Aftermath of Martial Law... Han Deok-su Urges Public Officials to Fulfill Their Duties

Han Deok-su Prevents Cabinet Resignation, Manages Aftermath Turmoil

As the emergency martial law situation triggered by President Yoon Suk-yeol escalates into an impeachment crisis, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged the cabinet and public officials to fulfill their duties to ensure that the daily lives of the people remain undisturbed.

On the 6th, through a "Message to the People," Prime Minister Han stated, "All cabinet members and public officials in each ministry must perform their assigned duties at every moment to maintain the nation's security and the daily lives of the people without the slightest disruption." He especially emphasized that the entire economic team, led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economy Choi Sang-mok, must unite, urging, "Please do your utmost to minimize the negative impact of the emergency martial law situation on the economy."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is touching his glasses after finishing his remarks at the State Affairs Ministers' Meeting held on the 5th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Regarding the security situation, he instructed Acting Minister of National Defense Kim Sun-ho, "The military must establish a solid security posture with no gaps in national security," and added, "Maintain a full state of readiness to respond immediately should North Korea provoke."

Additionally, Prime Minister Han conveyed, "Under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs Lee Joo-ho, sectors directly related to people's livelihoods such as education, welfare, and public safety must operate without disruption," and urged, "Ministers of the relevant ministries should do their best to ensure the stability of each citizen's daily life."

President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law on the night of the 3rd, but it was lifted after six hours following the National Assembly's demand. Subsequently, all cabinet members tendered their resignations, and so far, only former Minister of National Defense Kim Yong-hyun, who is known to have directly proposed the martial law, has been dismissed.