Han Deok-su "Opposed Martial Law but Could Not Prevent It... Will Take Responsibility"

First Public Opposition Since Emergency Martial Law Incident
If Yoon Impeachment Motion Passes, Han Deok-su Administration Will Be Activated

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has for the first time revealed his position that he opposed President Yoon Seok-yeol's declaration of martial law but ultimately failed to prevent it. He stated that he will focus on stabilizing the government first and then take responsibility for the situation.

On the 11th, through a "Message to the People," Prime Minister Han said, "I consistently opposed the declaration of martial law on the night of the 3rd, but I deeply regret that I ultimately could not stop it," adding, "I will fulfill my duties until the last moment and take responsibility without excuses or evasion." Prime Minister Han attended the Cabinet meeting convened just before the declaration of martial law and presided over the Cabinet meeting that resolved to lift martial law in the early hours of the 4th.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending the plenary session held at the National Assembly on the 10th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Prime Minister Han stated, "As the Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, I deeply feel the heavy responsibility for the current situation our people are facing and the entire process that led to it," and "I sincerely apologize for the pain and confusion caused to each and every citizen."

He continued, "The Republic of Korea is facing an unprecedented grave situation," emphasizing again, "It is of utmost importance to promptly resolve the current situation so that the nation's security and the daily lives of the people remain stable, and to operate the government stably according to the Constitution and laws."

Prime Minister Han said, "The Cabinet, including myself, is putting all our efforts into achieving this goal," and "For the people who have trusted me and entrusted me with many responsibilities throughout my life, I will fulfill my duties until the very last moment."

Earlier, President Yoon convened a Cabinet meeting on the night of the 3rd and declared martial law. It is known that Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol and Unification Minister Kim Young-ho, who attended the meeting, also strongly opposed it.

Meanwhile, if the National Assembly passes the impeachment motion against President Yoon on the 14th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will immediately become the acting president. Article 71 of the Constitution stipulates that in the event of a vacancy or accident of the president, the Prime Minister and then the ministers in the order prescribed by law shall act on behalf of the president. The acting presidency system will be maintained until the Constitutional Court decides on the impeachment trial. Since the opposition has even predicted impeachment against Prime Minister Han, if the prime minister's position also becomes vacant, the deputy prime minister and ministers will perform the acting duties in the order specified in Article 26 of the Government Organization Act.