South Korea: Interim Leader Choi Sang-mok Commits to Ensuring State Stability
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Seoul, Dec 27 (NationPress) South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok declared on Friday that the government will exert its utmost efforts to focus on stabilizing state affairs in the face of ongoing political turmoil arising from the brief enforcement of martial law earlier this month.
Choi, who additionally holds the roles of Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs and Finance Minister, assumed the interim leadership position following the suspension of acting President Han Duck-soo's duties by the National Assembly earlier that day.
Han was impeached less than two weeks after succeeding President Yoon Suk Yeol on December 14, who faced impeachment due to his mishandling of martial law.
In a formal statement to the nation, Choi highlighted the significance of reducing confusion in state affairs, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
"The government will do its utmost to ensure national stability," Choi stated.
Choi also extended an apology as a Cabinet member for his role in the current turmoil. He has faced scrutiny for attending a Cabinet meeting shortly before Yoon announced martial law on December 3.
In a separate development, the new acting President reaffirmed the strong alliance between South Korea and the United States during a phone conversation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to the Finance Ministry.
Choi urged the military to remain vigilant, highlighting the potential for provocations from North Korea.
"The readiness posture must be maintained to prevent any rash actions from North Korea and to uphold a strong security stance based on the robust South Korea-US alliance," he commanded.
Choi also directed Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul to keep communication channels open with allied nations.
He stressed the importance of reassuring other countries that South Korea's foreign policy would remain consistent and that international relations and trade would not be disrupted.
Additionally, Choi instructed the acting Minister of the Interior and Safety to maintain public order while enhancing disaster response frameworks.
He also ordered Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong to prioritize emergency medical strategies for winter, ensuring that emergency medical systems function effectively.
Later in the day, Choi convened the National Security Council, as reported by his office.
Choi's interim presidency is anticipated to encounter challenges from the opposition-dominated National Assembly.
The main opposition Democratic Party has called on Choi to quickly appoint three nominees for Constitutional Court justices to address Yoon's impeachment trial.
