Handonghun: "Orderly Early Resignation to Manage Political Situation," Handeoksu: "Smooth Operation of State Functions" (Summary)

Joint Statement Released at the People Power Party Headquarters
Han Dong-hoon Makes No Mention of Early Resignation Plan
Han Deok-su Urges National Assembly for Prompt Passage of Budget Bill

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, stated on the 8th, "We will stabilize the political situation and restore liberal democracy by minimizing the chaos that may affect the Republic of Korea and its people through the president's orderly early resignation." Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also said, "We will prioritize the will of the people and work together with the ruling party to wisely operate all state functions stably and smoothly."

Leader Han and Prime Minister Han made these remarks through a joint statement at 11 a.m. at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, are preparing to announce a joint statement containing measures to manage state affairs on the morning of the 8th at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Leader Han said, "The public anxiety and national damage caused by the emergency martial law situation are enormous and irreversible. The disappointment and distrust that the people feel toward the government are very great," adding, "I believe that the majority of the people think that President Yoon Seok-yeol should step down because he cannot normally operate state affairs for the remainder of his term."

Emphasizing the "president's early resignation," Leader Han stressed, "Through an orderly early resignation, we will minimize confusion, alleviate domestic and international anxiety, and restore people's livelihoods and national dignity."

However, he did not mention specific resignation plans. Leader Han said, "We will promptly announce concrete plans after internal party discussions," and added, "President Yoon has promised to entrust the party with the direction of political stability, including his term, according to the people's mandate. Therefore, I believe there will be no confusion during the orderly early resignation process."

He also emphasized that President Yoon will have no involvement in state affairs. This appears to be aimed at alleviating public anxiety following the escalation of concerns such as the second martial law. Leader Han said, "Until the president's resignation, the prime minister and the party will closely consult to manage people's livelihoods and state affairs without disruption," and added, "Even before the resignation, the president will not be involved in state affairs, including diplomacy."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, are entering the press conference room at the People Power Party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 8th to announce a joint statement containing measures to manage state affairs. Photo by Yonhap News

Prime Minister Han said, "Maintaining a strong ROK-U.S. alliance and robust trilateral cooperation among the ROK, U.S., and Japan is a very significant and important task," adding, "The entire cabinet, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will do its best to maintain trust with the U.S., the ROK-U.S.-Japan alliance, and our allies." He continued, "We will strengthen the emergency economic response system, closely monitor risks in the financial and foreign exchange markets, and respond swiftly," and said, "We will establish public order to prevent any public anxiety and thoroughly prepare for various disasters."

Prime Minister Han urged the passage of next year's budget bill and related bills submitted by the government to the National Assembly. He said, "For the state affairs to operate normally even in emergencies, the passage of the budget bill and related bills is essential," adding, "The budget must be promptly finalized so that each ministry can prepare for timely execution, enabling the recovery of the people's economy during these difficult times."

On this day, Leader Han and Prime Minister Han issued only the joint statement without taking questions from reporters and left immediately afterward.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.