Acting President's impeachment leaves No. 3 in charge of S. Korea; can he stay in charge long?

최 권한대행 "사상 초유의 국가비상상황"… 한 총리 "정부는 굳건하게"… 최 얼마나 버틸까?

The country is in uncharted territory following the impeachment of the acting president.
Now, the executive branch's number three in power leads the government, perhaps with more uncertainty lying ahead.
Our political correspondent Kim Do-yeon reports.

With the motion to impeach Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo being passed, for the first time ever a Deputy Prime Minister for Finance now leads the nation's government.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok on Friday afternoon quickly took on the responsibility holding a National Security Council meeting.

"It's an unprecedented national emergency in the history of our Constitution. Political uncertainty defying any predictions, poses a threat to national security. This is the time to dedicate all efforts to safeguarding the welfare of the people, as well as the lives and safety of our citizens."

He also called for a defense posture ready for North Korea's potential provocations amid the political instability in the nation while asking the foreign affairs team to ensure the international community that South Korea's foreign affairs will go on with consistency.
Meanwhile soon after the impeachment vote Prime Minister Han said he wants to avoid further chaos and uncertainties and will suspend his duties and wait for the court's decision.

"I may be suspended from my duties, but I trust that the government of the Republic of Korea will continue to function steadfastly."

He also explained why he stood his ground and didn't appoint the Constitutional Court justices through a statement.
He said he was waiting for an agreement across the aisle and said, quote, "In the history of our constitutional governance, there has not been a single Constitutional Court judge appointed without bipartisan agreement. This underscores the immense authority and responsibility the role entails."

"In the meantime, Choi also hinted that he might keep things consistent with how Prime Minister Han Duck-soo handled the situation saying that an acting president is forced to exercise limited authority.
In other words, he too will likely not appoint the justices."

The Acting President Choi is not free from impeachment threats either.
The DP has called for Choi to immediately appoint the justices when he assumes the role of the nation's caretaker.
And, with the Prime Minister being impeached with the requirement of 151 votes, an impeachment of Choi is not a stretch for the DP.
The presidential line of succession will leave Deputy Prime Minister for Social Affairs, Lee Joo-ho, to take charge if Choi also is suspended.
Then it goes to the Science and ICT Minister to the Foreign Affairs Minister, and so on as it's written on the Government Organization Act if more are to be impeached.
The impeachment motions can continue with the ruling People Power Party having no way to stop the DP in votes.
Right now there are six Cabinet members including the President suspended from their duties leaving 15 active.
There needs to be at least 11 members present at a Cabinet meeting that means five more impeachments will completely stop the Cabinet's functions.
Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News.

#Government #Acting_President #HanDucksoo #ChoiSangmok #정부 #권한대행 #한덕수 #최상목 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스

2024-12-27, 20:00 (KST)

[TET]

Seriously looked like the opposition are ganging up against the ruling party, forcing them to concede into their requests.

[poder]

every democracy around the world needs new amendments to its constitution, to avoid extremism on either side, away from fascism and communism, and not locking the command in their term, which will end in tyranny

[marionwilliams]

South Korea need to get this political mess on order.A country that is in turmoil is more likely to fall prey to their enemies, like North Korea North Korea is watching people.

[Brenden]

Welp look like South Korea will lose as country if they don't get there shit together

[justicewillprevail]

Politics is one of the dirtiest job in the world. If not the dirtiest.

[Dos]

I'm not Korean and am an outsider looking in. Seeing all of this playing out, I can't help but to say the South Korean government and politics is a joke, problematic and clearly a mess. They make North Korea's government look stable at least.

[LukeHartman-rohl]

I hope South Korea can find some stability soon, or they will be in trouble. Places like North Korea, Russia, and China are just chomping at the bit to take their chance. South Korea is the frontlines for places like that.

[hyun]

Arirang is the best can you do a show about apatu drinking game

[genjustice]

Now it is clearly not surprised why did Mr. YOON declare martial law.

[created]

Now I feel yoon was right to impose martial law ...the opposition party looks like not interested in developing the country but to create chaos to get in power ..😂

[winhtut]

If no military, no martial law and all the world will be peaceful. Switzerland and Singapore have small military forces backed by reservists.

[InquisitionFren]

Are you starting to get why Yoon declared martial law now?

[AznPridexX]

lol and now you see why yoon wanted martial law

[Maximo-pk]

What is going on in SK? 😂 I guess this is nothing new.

[guorik]

what a clown country leadership... changing prez every few weeks.

[AaronKaewprapai-qvbc]

Like Germany, a new election is needed.

[Honestguy]

This is very messy, now the opposition is acting Non-democratically.
The martial law and what they are doing, not much difference now.
It's like give us what we want or get out 😢😢😢😢

[johnnyboyjohns]

Everyone is blaming Yoon. Better take a good look at your so-called government. He may be the only right one 🤔😳

[RibbonsAlmark-xj]

The opposition really wants to shut down the executive branch

[lingcassam]

bcause of yoon my work in construction delay. am i gonna sleep on street damn it