Prime Minister Issues Emergency Orders to All Ministries Immediately After Impeachment Motion Passed
Review of Key Issues in Defense, Foreign Affairs, Security, and Economy Sectors
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo issued an emergency directive to all ministries immediately after the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol to manage the ensuing government turmoil. The plan is to convene an interim Cabinet meeting as soon as the presidential powers are transferred to the acting president and to review current issues in areas such as the economy, security, and society.
In an emergency directive to all ministries and public officials on the afternoon of the 14th, right after the impeachment motion was passed, Prime Minister Han stated, "Although the National Assembly has passed the presidential impeachment motion, the government must do its utmost to ensure that the public does not become anxious and that social order is not disturbed."
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending and speaking at the National Intellectual Property Committee held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 12th. Photo by Jo Yong-jun
First, regarding security, he instructed the acting Minister of National Defense to strengthen the entire military’s alert posture to ensure there are no gaps in national security and public safety, and to be thoroughly prepared to respond immediately to any crisis situation. He also urged the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, saying, "North Korea may perceive the domestic situation as a security vulnerability period and attempt provocations in various forms," and added, "Strengthen the alert posture to prevent North Korea from recklessly carrying out provocations due to misjudgment, and maintain a firm security posture based on the ROK-U.S. alliance."
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he said, "In a situation where international uncertainties are increasing, maintain close communication channels with key countries such as Japan and China based on the solid ROK-U.S. alliance." He added that overseas diplomatic missions should inform that there is no change in the government’s foreign policy stance and that exchanges and trade will not be disrupted.
To the acting Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he emphasized, "Criminal activities may increase by taking advantage of the chaotic atmosphere," and stressed, "Establish public order so that citizens can feel safe and enjoy their daily lives."
Additionally, to the Deputy Prime Minister for Economy, he ordered close cooperation within the economic team to minimize the negative impact of the political situation on the economy and said, "Activate contingency plans promptly if necessary."
Meanwhile, the government plans to hold a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han in the evening to review current issues in the fields of economy, security, and society. The direction of government operations after the transition to the acting presidential system will also be discussed.
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