Seoul, South Korea – In a move signaling stability amidst a period of intense political upheaval, South Korea’s Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has rejected the resignations of 15 senior aides within the Presidential Office. The decision, announced by the Prime Minister’s office on April 4th, comes on the heels of the Constitutional Court’s ruling to impeach President Yoon Suk-yeol.
The mass resignation was tendered by key figures including Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, Policy Chief Sung Tae-yoon, and National Security Advisor Shin Won-sik, along with eight senior secretaries and three vice-ministers. These officials collectively sought to step down following the court’s decision, which has plunged the nation into a state of uncertainty.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s office stated that the acting president made the decision to reject the resignations in light of the grave economic and security challenges facing the nation. The move is intended to prevent a leadership vacuum and ensure the smooth continuation of critical state affairs during this transitional period.
The Acting President recognized the severity of the current economic and security landscape, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement. His decision aims to prevent any disruption in governance and to effectively manage the pressing issues facing the country.
The rejection of the resignations underscores the urgency felt by the acting president to maintain a steady hand on the reins of government. South Korea is currently grappling with a complex array of challenges, including navigating potential military threats from North Korea and responding to new U.S. trade policies.
Adding to the sense of urgency, South Korea is preparing for an upcoming general election. In response to the current situation, Han Duck-soo convened an emergency meeting with his cabinet, urging them to fulfill their responsibilities in addressing these critical issues.
The political landscape in South Korea remains fluid, with the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol creating a power vacuum and raising questions about the future direction of the country. The decision by Acting President Han Duck-soo to retain his senior aides signals a commitment to stability and continuity in the face of unprecedented challenges.
References:
- Yonhap News Agency. (2024, April 4). 韩代总统驳回总统室高级幕僚辞呈 [Acting President Rejects Resignations of Top Presidential Aides]. Retrieved from [Yonhap News Agency Website – Please replace with the actual URL if available]
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