From Han Ducksoo to Choi Sangmok to Lee Juho: Acting President System Launched... Lee Orders "No Gaps or Confusion in State Affairs"

Unprecedented "Acting President for an Acting President for an Acting President"
Lee Juho to Serve as Acting President from Midnight on May 2 Until the Presidential Election on June 3

Following the resignation of Han Ducksoo, Acting President and Prime Minister, and Choi Sangmok, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Economy and Finance, Lee Juho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, has assumed the role of Acting President. His term will last for approximately 33 days, from midnight on May 2 until the conclusion of the presidential election on June 3. This is the first time that a system of an acting president for an acting president has been established.

Lee Juho, Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs and Minister of Education, announced on the 17th at a briefing on the adjustment direction of medical school admission quotas for the 2026 academic year held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, that the medical school quota has been set at 3,058. 2025.4.17 Photo by Jo Yongjun

On May 2, Lee Juho, Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, issued emergency directives to all ministries regarding national security, diplomacy, public safety and election management, and the economy.

Acting President Lee stated, "The government must do its utmost to ensure stable state administration and continue the operation of the country without any gaps or confusion."

First, regarding national security, he instructed the acting Minister of National Defense to "maintain the military’s vigilance and readiness at the highest level, and ensure that the forces are fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any possible provocations." He also ordered the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to "strengthen and verify the operational command system, and ensure that all military units are fully prepared to respond quickly and firmly in case of emergencies."

To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized, "Work closely with key allied countries to maintain the trust of the international community, and respond thoroughly to ensure there are no gaps in the management of diplomatic affairs."

He also stressed the importance of cooperation among relevant ministries to ensure that the early presidential election is conducted fairly and in an orderly manner.

Acting President Lee instructed the acting Minister of the Interior and Safety to "do everything possible to maintain public order and thoroughly manage public safety to prevent public anxiety, while also providing all necessary support for the preparation of the presidential election." He further stated, "All public officials must maintain strict work discipline, and ensure that civil servants strictly observe political neutrality in relation to the upcoming election."

Finally, he directed the acting Minister of Economy and Finance to "prepare for fluctuations in the financial markets and do everything possible to minimize economic uncertainty, given the challenging domestic and international economic conditions."