Kim Sang-wook "Impeachment of Acting Chief Choi Sang-mok? Considering National Interest and the People"

Presidential Office Chief and Senior Officials' Collective Resignation... Democratic Party Also Opposes
"Time to Consider National Interest and Alleviate Public Anxiety"

With Jeong Jin-seok, Chief of Staff to the President, and other presidential office aides collectively offering their resignations on the 1st to Choi Sang-mok, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, voices are emerging calling for the impeachment of Acting Prime Minister Choi as well. Kim Sang-wook, a member of the People Power Party, emphasized, "Now is the time to focus solely on the nation's interests, alleviating the public's anxiety, and economic recovery."

On the 2nd, during CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show,' Representative Kim said, "I have seen Acting Prime Minister Choi's deep deliberation. I believe he made a difficult and resolute decision," adding, "If the impeachment is delayed or becomes unstable, it could lead to a decline in external credibility, worsening economic difficulties, and escalating social conflicts."

Kim Sang-wook, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

After Acting Prime Minister Choi appointed two out of three Constitutional Court justice candidates recommended by the National Assembly, the presidential office expressed strong regret, stating that this was "beyond the scope of his authority." Within the ruling party, it was interpreted that the presidential office's collective resignation was a sign of protest against Acting Prime Minister Choi's appointments to the Constitutional Court.

Representative Kim stated, "The three Constitutional Court justices are recommended by the National Assembly, and the president only formally appoints them," emphasizing, "However, given the special circumstances in South Korea right now, a stable composition of the Constitutional Court is absolutely necessary." He believes Acting Prime Minister Choi wisely showed courage, but considering the atmosphere in the Cabinet meeting and the presidential office, he thinks it will not be easy for Choi. He added, "I think Acting Prime Minister Choi showed great courage in a difficult environment," and stressed, "Now is the time to focus solely on the nation's interests, alleviating the public's anxiety, and economic recovery."

While the Democratic Party opposes Acting Prime Minister Choi's decision, it maintains a cautious stance regarding impeachment. However, some cabinet members voiced that Acting Prime Minister Choi should also be impeached during a party meeting. Representative Kim emphasized that Acting Prime Minister Choi should be respected, considered, and cooperated with so that he can manage state affairs stably even for a short period. Recklessly bringing up impeachment just because of dissatisfaction or harsh judgment goes against national interests and stirs public anxiety. He said, "We need to respect, consider, and communicate more with him," and expressed the hope that "this will be done solely for the nation's interests and the stability of the people."