"Without Abandoning Extreme Politics and Embracing Cooperation, Division and Conflict Will Persist"
Choi Sangmok to Resume Role as Acting President from Midnight on the 2nd
Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who has been serving as Acting President, announced on May 1, "In order to overcome the crisis we are facing, I have made the final decision to step down from my position so that I can do what I can and what I must."
On this day, during a national address at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon, Han stated, "If there is no other way, then I have decided that this is the path I must take."
Han mentioned, "Given the gravity of the responsibility I bear during these serious times, I have long agonized and deliberated over whether this decision is truly right and unavoidable," and explained, "I have been contemplating what it means to fulfill my responsibility."
Han reflected, "I entered public service in 1970, and for nearly 50 years, I have worked at the forefront of Korea's economic development as both a servant and a living witness for our people," adding, "It has been the honor and pride of my life to have contributed my small strength and effort." He especially expressed his gratitude by saying, "I deeply bow my head in thanks to the people who gave someone like me the opportunity to serve the country," and once again bowed to the public.
Han continued, "I believe many people agree that the Republic of Korea stands at a crossroads," stressing, "Whether Korea, now ranked among the world's top 10 economies, will grow firmly to the level of the G7, or fall behind by remaining at its current level; whether Korean politics will move toward cooperation or be mired in extremism?these two outcomes are now in our hands."
"No rational discussion for years, mired in partisan strife"
Han warned, "With inconsistent economic policies that change with the polls, we cannot secure our national interests in external negotiations, nor can we build industrial competitiveness or revitalize regional economies. If we do not abandon extreme politics and lay the foundation for cooperation, whoever comes to power, division and conflict will only repeat."
Han pointed out, "Korea is a country that has always overcome crises by uniting as one, but now our society is mired in the swamp of partisanship, with both sides turning their backs on each other, and for years now, no rational discussion has been possible."
He also emphasized, "I am an imperfect person," adding, "But for the country, I will continue to follow the path I believe is best, at this moment and in the future, without any excuses, until the very end."
After announcing his resignation as Prime Minister on this day, Han is expected to officially declare his candidacy for the presidential election at the National Assembly on May 2.
Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Acting President, is greeting after delivering a national address at the Government Seoul Office on the 1st. Photo by Yonhap News
With Han's resignation announcement, his term as Acting President is scheduled to end at midnight on May 2. Afterward, Choi Sangmok, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Economy and Finance, who is third in the cabinet order of precedence, will assume the role of Acting President, and will be responsible for running state affairs for about five weeks until the June 3 presidential election.
Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Choi served as Acting President for 88 days, from December 27 of last year?immediately after the National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Han?until March 24, when the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment.
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