Han Duck-soo Chairs First Cabinet Meeting After Return
Han: "Will Focus Capabilities on U.S.-Originated Tariff Storm"
Silent on Appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk, the Political Flashpoint
Trump Call Also in Spotlight... "Will Pursue It"
Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo said on the 25th, "Based on the experience accumulated in trade and diplomacy, I will devote all my capabilities to navigating through the tariff storm originating from the United States." As a 'U.S. expert' who previously served as ambassador to the U.S., this is interpreted as his determination to restore the weakened Korea-U.S. relationship and focus on responding to the imminent imposition of high U.S. tariffs. Meanwhile, he remained silent for the second day after his return regarding the appointment of Ma Eun-hyuk, a nominee for the Constitutional Court justice, which has attracted significant political attention.
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 25th. Photo by Yonhap News
In his opening remarks at the first Cabinet meeting since his return, held at the Government Seoul Office, Acting President Han emphasized, "The situation our country currently faces is very grave," adding, "The aftermath of the U.S.-originated trade war is striking the entire world, and difficulties for the public, small business owners, and self-employed individuals are increasing due to sluggish domestic demand and rising prices." He stated, "At this moment, our mission is to protect the safety of the people, secure national interests from the trade war, and promptly devise solutions to urgent national issues through cooperation with the National Assembly."
Since the U.S. is expected to announce a high-tariff policy focused on the so-called 'Dirty 15' countries on April 2, the intention is to prioritize responding to this. Although the 15 countries have not yet been officially announced, South Korea is likely included. Immediately after the Cabinet meeting, Acting President Han held a meeting with trade-related ministers to discuss countermeasures based on the assumption of high U.S. tariffs.
Regarding the appointment of nominee Ma, considered the biggest political flashpoint, Acting President Han is not expected to make an immediate decision. The Constitutional Court ruled that delaying Ma's appointment does not violate the Constitution or laws, though it is not grounds for dismissal. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party of Korea insists, "Just because dismissal has not occurred does not mean the illegal grounds have disappeared," and continues to urge the appointment. Given the significant differences between ruling and opposition parties and the imminent ruling on President Yoon Seok-yeol's impeachment trial, Acting President Han plans not to rush the decision.
Diplomatic relations between the two Koreas and the U.S., which have been in a vacuum for over two months, are also expected to be restored. Since Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. president on January 20, there has been no communication between the two leaders for more than two months. Considering that previous U.S. presidents have made calls with Korean presidents within a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 14 days after inauguration, this is an exceptionally long gap. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs attempted to arrange a call with President Trump even under the acting leadership of Choi Sang-mok, but it ultimately failed. This revealed the limitations of the 'acting of the acting' system that continued due to the emergency martial law situation.
In the past, President Trump also made a call with then Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn just 9 days after his first inauguration in 2017. Although the variable of President Yoon Seok-yeol’s impeachment trial ruling remains, considering the upcoming U.S. announcement of reciprocal tariffs scheduled for April 2, there is a consensus that communication between the two leaders should be established as soon as possible. Acting President Han, a trade official and former ambassador to the U.S., is an expert in diplomacy and trade, having previously chaired the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Support Committee and led negotiations. Additionally, there are numerous sensitive issues such as designation of sensitive countries and North Korea policy.
A Foreign Ministry official said, "We will pursue a phone call between President Trump and Acting President Han." Han’s side plans to prioritize thorough preparation rather than rushing. A Prime Minister’s Office official explained, "A meeting or call with President Trump is a double-edged sword," adding, "We are carefully considering what the U.S. wants from us and what we can offer to gain the greatest benefit."
Meanwhile, following his visit to the wildfire site in Uiseong County, Gyeongbuk Province the previous day, Acting President Han has been showing an active schedule by consecutively holding the National Security Council (NSC) and Cabinet meetings. His aim is to prioritize public livelihood, diplomacy, and security amid significant political uncertainty. He said on the day, "To ease the imminent public livelihood crisis, I will actively consult with all parties regardless of political affiliation," and urged, "Cabinet members should take full authority and responsibility for policies and implement them promptly."
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