Han Deok-su's First Task is 'Crisis Management'... Opposition Likely to Accept Acting Authority

Prime Minister Issues Emergency Orders to All Ministries Immediately After Impeachment Motion Passed
Park Chandae: "Focus on Quickly Resolving Dizziness"

The first task for Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the 'first in line for acting authority' following the passage of the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol, is to stabilize the administration. The opposition, which had initially threatened additional impeachment against Prime Minister Han, has decided to accept the acting authority system for now and wait for the investigation results in order to minimize confusion.

On the afternoon of the 14th, immediately after the passage of the impeachment motion, Prime Minister Han issued an emergency directive to all ministries and public officials, stating, "Although the National Assembly has passed the presidential impeachment motion, the government must do its utmost to ensure that the public does not feel anxious and that social order is not disturbed." He is also preparing for the transition to the acting authority system by issuing urgent directives in areas such as security, diplomacy, public safety, and the economy.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is arriving at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 9th. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

The acting authority system begins simultaneously when the National Assembly's impeachment motion is delivered to the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol and his duties are suspended. Prime Minister Han will become the tenth acting president since the establishment of the government.

Once the acting authority system is activated, Prime Minister Han will inherit all presidential powers, including command of the armed forces, treaty signing and ratification, and the right to request reconsideration of legislation. However, major powers such as the issuance of emergency orders require the consent of the National Assembly. Since he is already a suspect in the investigation related to martial law, his scope of action is expected to be limited.

The Democratic Party, which had threatened impeachment against Prime Minister Han, plans to wait for the stabilization of the administration for now. Park Chan-dae, the floor leader, told reporters at the National Assembly, when asked if the prime minister's impeachment would be postponed, "Since he currently holds the primary responsibility as acting authority, we will carefully review the situation," adding, "The most important thing is not who to impeach, but to focus on quickly resolving this turmoil."

Meanwhile, the government plans to hold a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Han in the evening to review current issues in areas such as the economy, security, and society. They will also discuss the direction of state administration after the transition to the presidential acting authority system.

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