In a significant development in South Korea's political landscape, Acting President Choi Sang-mok has announced that he will not be accepting the resignation offers from several senior presidential secretaries. This decision comes amidst the ongoing impeachment proceedings against former President Yoon Suk-yeol.
Choi, who also serves as the Minister of Economy and Finance and doubles as the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the country's economic and state affairs during this turbulent period. His office stated that now is the critical time to focus on stabilizing livelihoods and governance, refusing to accept the resignations of key aides including the presidential chief of staff, top national security adviser, and others.
The resignations were submitted following Choi's appointment of two new justices to the nine-member constitutional court bench overseeing Yoon's impeachment trial. The newly appointed justices commenced their duties earlier in the day, heightening the possibility that the impeachment may be upheld. For Yoon to be removed from office, a minimum of six justices must support the impeachment.
The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on December 14 and subsequently forwarded to the constitutional court for a three-month deliberation period, during which Yoon's presidential powers are suspended. The charges against Yoon include alleged involvement in an insurrection, leading to his declaration of emergency martial law on December 3, an action that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly.
Reference(s):
ROK interim leader refuses to accept presidential aides' resignations
cgtn.com
