The Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, allowing him to assume the presidential acting position again after 87 days. The authority to exercise command over the armed forces, among other powers, has returned to the acting head from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sang-mok.
The acting head watched the Constitutional Court's impeachment ruling at the official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, at 10 a.m. on the 24th and immediately returned to duty after the dismissal decision was announced. He arrived at the Seoul Government Complex around 10:21 a.m.
On his way to work, the acting head expressed gratitude for the Constitutional Court's decision and voiced concerns about the deepening political conflict. He said, “I believe all citizens are firmly expressing that political circles, which are in fierce opposition, should not act this way,” and added, “I appreciate the wise decision of the Constitutional Court.”
The acting head is expected to receive briefings from the ministers of key departments that day. He is also reported to be directly involved in responding to the wildfires that are spreading nationwide.
Choi, who held the roles of president, prime minister, and deputy prime minister as the 'acting head of the acting head,' has returned to his original role as deputy prime minister. The temporary organization 'Acting Head Support Team,' established to assist Deputy Prime Minister Choi, is also expected to be disbanded immediately.
Deputy Prime Minister Choi is expected to fulfill his schedule, including briefing the acting head and attending an interim cabinet meeting.