Returned Han Deok-su: "Thankful for Constitutional Court Decision... Will Do Best for Korea's Future"

"No More Left or Right, National Development Is the Key Task"
"My Final Duty... I Will Do My Best for the Younger Generation"

Han Deok-su, Acting President and Prime Minister, returned to his duties as acting president 87 days after the impeachment motion.

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo, who returned to duty after the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion, is speaking to the press as he arrives at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on March 24, 2025. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

On the morning of the 24th, Acting President Han watched the Constitutional Court's ruling to dismiss the impeachment at the Prime Minister's residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, and then arrived at the Government Seoul Office at around 10:21 a.m. to immediately resume his duties.

On his way to work, Acting President Han told reporters, "First of all, I am grateful for the wise decision of the Constitutional Court," and added, "I would like to express my deep gratitude to Acting Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok and each member of the Cabinet who have led the government with their best efforts."

He said, "I will take the lead in working with the ministers in charge of trade and industry and the public-private joint team to prepare for and respond to global changes," and added, "In this era of great geopolitical transformation, I will do my best together with the Cabinet members, the political circles, the National Assembly, and the Speaker of the National Assembly to ensure that the Republic of Korea continues to develop."

He continued, "In the afternoon, I met with those suffering from the large wildfire, and especially for those who passed away, I personally offered letters of consolation," saying, "It is truly a heartbreaking matter, and I sincerely pray for their souls to rest in peace."

Regarding the confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties, Acting President Han said, "All citizens are clearly voicing that the fiercely divided political circles should not continue like this," and emphasized, "I believe there is no left or right anymore. The only important task is for our country to rise and develop forward."

He added, "I consider this my final duty," and said, "I will do my best according to the Constitution and laws, and for the younger generation and the future of the Republic of Korea."

When asked about the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk as a Constitutional Court Justice candidate, Acting President Han replied, "I will see you again soon," and did not answer further.