[Yoon Seok-yeol Impeachment] Korean Acting President's National Address "Will Do Our Best to Manage the Next Presidential Election"

Han Duck-soo Delivers National Address
"Will Maintain Security Posture to Prevent Any Gaps in Security and Diplomacy"
"Earnestly Requesting the National Assembly to Unite Their Wisdom"

Prime Minister and Acting President Han Duck-soo stated in a national address on the 4th, immediately after the dismissal of President Yoon Seok-yeol, "In accordance with the will of the sovereign people and pursuant to the Constitution and laws, we will do our utmost to ensure that the next government can be launched smoothly by managing the upcoming presidential election with the utmost care."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is delivering a national address on the 4th at the Government Seoul Office following the Constitutional Court's ruling to dismiss President Yoon Seok-yeol. Photo by Yonhap News

Acting President Han said at the Government Seoul Office that morning, "Today, the Constitutional Court finalized the result of the presidential impeachment trial," adding, "We deeply regret the unfortunate situation of the impeachment of a sitting head of state for the second time in constitutional history."

He continued, "As Acting President, I will maintain a strong security posture to ensure there is no gap in national security and diplomacy," and emphasized, "We will also make every effort to ensure that there are no disruptions in addressing pressing issues such as trade wars, establish public order to prevent any public anxiety, and thoroughly prepare for various disasters."

Acting President Han appealed to all public officials, saying, "We have the significant responsibility of stable national administration. Given the severe situation both domestically and internationally, I ask that you fulfill your roles responsibly without any negligence in government operations."

He added, "I hope that South Korea will overcome the current crisis and that the daily lives of each and every citizen remain undisturbed," and "I earnestly request the political circles and the National Assembly to set aside differences and unite their strength and wisdom for the future of South Korea."

Acting President Han further stated, "The government will devote all its efforts to faithfully performing its role so that the lives and economy of the people do not falter."

Immediately after the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling, Acting President Han visited the Seoul Situation Center at the Central Disaster and Safety Situation Room set up in the Government Seoul Office to inspect security and safety management and issued urgent instructions to maintain public order.

He said, "Now is the time for the people," and urged, "Since this is a result rendered according to our constitutional order, please accept the outcome and demonstrate peaceful expression and mature civic consciousness."

To the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, he instructed, "Prioritize public safety and ensure thorough maintenance of order to prevent any casualties from gatherings and demonstrations at major constitutional institutions, government facilities, and densely populated urban areas."

He also urged the National Police Agency, "Strictly respond with a zero-tolerance policy to all illegal acts that may occur during assemblies and demonstrations to preemptively block any unexpected violent incidents."