South Korea Acting President: "Any Constitutional Court Decision Must Be Accepted... Politicians Asked to Refrain from Provocative Remarks"

Han Duck-soo Chairs Security Ministers' Meeting
"We Will Never Tolerate Any Illegal or Violent Acts"

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo requested the political sphere on the 4th, ahead of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment trial verdict, amid rising tensions and concerns over violent incidents, to "refrain from making statements that could provoke or incite illegal protests and violence." He emphasized, "The government will never tolerate any illegal or violent acts."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is holding a meeting with ministers in charge of public safety at the Government Seoul Office on the 2nd. Photo by Yonhap News

On the same morning, Acting President Han presided over a security-related ministers' meeting at the Government Seoul Office, saying, "I urge politicians to prioritize the stability and survival of the community over political gains or losses at this time," and added, "I hope you will show a responsible attitude that contributes to social integration rather than division and conflict."

In particular, Acting President Han stressed, "Regardless of any decision made, we must calmly and rationally accept the outcome according to the principles of the rule of law," and "Now is the 'time of the people,' moving beyond the 'time of the Constitutional Court.' If the people unite again with their strength and wisdom, we can surely overcome this crisis of confusion and conflict."

Acting President Han reiterated that illegal acts occurring before and after the Constitutional Court's verdict will be dealt with strictly. He stated, "We will hold accountable those who challenge public authority and destroy the community through acts such as facility destruction, assault, and arson, based on the 'principle of arresting in flagrante delicto' and the 'principle of zero tolerance,'" and urged, "Relevant agencies should thoroughly respond on-site not only around the Constitutional Court but also in downtown Seoul and areas where large-scale rallies are scheduled."

Considering the recent increased pressure from opposition parties, mainly the Democratic Party of Korea, regarding the appointment of Constitutional Court Justice nominee Ma Eun-hyuk and impeachment motions, Acting President Han said, "The government will focus on protecting the lives of the people and revitalizing their livelihoods," and added, "We will lead the administration steadily without wavering and do our best to restore the daily lives of the people.".

The National Police Agency announced it will initiate emergency duty from 9 a.m. the day before the Constitutional Court's verdict and will declare a top-level emergency on the day of the verdict, establishing a system to mobilize 100% of available police forces. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said at the meeting, "We will deploy up to 2,400 on-site response personnel daily around Anguk Station, Gwanghwamun Station, City Hall Station, Hangangjin Station, and Yeouido Station to focus on safety management in areas expected to be densely crowded."