Seoul, South Korea — South Korea’s acting president, Choi Sang-mok, has refused to accept the resignation offers from senior aides of the impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, emphasizing the need to focus on national stability during a critical time.
Choi, who also serves as the minister of economy and finance, announced on Wednesday that he would not approve the resignations of senior presidential secretaries. “Now is the time to concentrate on stabilizing people’s livelihoods and state affairs,” his office stated in a brief notice.
The senior aides who offered to resign include the presidential chief of staff, the top national security adviser, the chief of staff for policy, the special adviser for foreign and security affairs, among others. Their resignation offers came just a day after Choi appointed two justices to the constitutional court, filling vacancies crucial for President Yoon’s impeachment trial.
The appointment of the new justices, who began their duties earlier Wednesday, raises the possibility of the court upholding the impeachment. To permanently remove President Yoon from office, at least six out of nine constitutional court justices must agree to uphold the impeachment.
President Yoon Suk-yeol was impeached by the National Assembly on December 14, following allegations including a charge of insurrection. During the impeachment process, his presidential powers are suspended for up to 180 days while the constitutional court deliberates.
Amid the political turmoil, Choi Sang-mok’s decision to retain the senior aides is seen as an effort to maintain governmental continuity and focus on addressing the nation’s pressing issues. “Stabilizing the country is our top priority,” Choi’s office reiterated.
The situation remains tense as the constitutional court’s decision looms, and the nation watches closely to see how these events will shape South Korea’s political landscape.
Reference(s):
ROK interim leader refuses to accept presidential aides' resignations
cgtn.com
