Choi Sang-mok "Finally" Smiles... Han Deok-su "Cabinet Members Must Renew Their Resolve"

Han Holds Cabinet Luncheon After Impeachment Dismissal
"Internal and External Crises... Renewing Determination at Every Moment"

Han Deok-su, Acting President and Prime Minister, who returned to duty following the Constitutional Court's dismissal of the impeachment trial, urged the Cabinet members on the 24th, saying, "It is the Cabinet's mission to swiftly advance key issues directly related to people's livelihoods."

On the same day, Han held a luncheon meeting with Cabinet members at the Government Seoul Office and said, "No matter how difficult the government's circumstances are, considering the internal and external crises facing the Republic of Korea, our Cabinet members have no choice but to renew their determination at every moment."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is attending the Cabinet Members Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 24th, greeting Cabinet members including Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok. Photo by Yonhap News

The luncheon meeting was attended by ministers and acting ministers from various departments, including Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Strategy and Finance, who had served as Acting Prime Minister for about three months. As Choi entered the meeting room, he smiled and said, "Finally," while other ministers said, "Thank you for your hard work."

Han said, "I am grateful that the Cabinet has worked steadfastly to maintain stable governance in the unprecedented situation where both the President and the Acting President and Prime Minister were impeached," adding, "I have seen through the media how each Cabinet member, including Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, who took charge as Acting President and Prime Minister, has truly worked hard to stabilize state affairs."

Han acknowledged, "I believe you have endured many unspeakable hardships," but emphasized, "There are many tasks ahead of us."

Han stated, "Whether all areas of state affairs?diplomacy, security, economy, trade, public safety, and administration?function smoothly depends on the Cabinet members and public officials nationwide," adding, "Now, I hope all of us unite our efforts to make our people more comfortable and to stabilize state affairs further, continuing the work that many Cabinet members have done so far, supporting each other and moving forward together."

He added, "I will take the lead in helping you, working together, and engaging in discussions."

Earlier, the Constitutional Court dismissed the National Assembly's impeachment motion against Han with five out of eight justices voting to dismiss, one voting to accept, and two voting to reject the case on procedural grounds.