Acting_President_Choi_Rejects_Aides__Resignations_Amid_Yoon_s_Impeachment_in_South_Korea

Acting President Choi Rejects Aides’ Resignations Amid Yoon’s Impeachment in South Korea

South Korea’s acting president and Minister of Economy and Finance, Choi Sang-mok, has declined to accept the resignation offers from senior presidential secretaries, his office announced on Wednesday. In a brief statement, Choi’s office emphasized that “now is the time to concentrate on stabilizing people’s livelihoods and state affairs,” indicating the need for continuity during a period of political uncertainty.

Choi, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, is stepping into a pivotal role following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. Among those who offered their resignations are key figures in Yoon’s administration, including the presidential chief of staff, the top national security adviser, the chief of staff for policy, the special adviser for foreign and security affairs, and other senior secretaries.

The resignation offers came a day after Choi appointed two constitutional court justices to fill vacancies in the nine-member bench set to deliberate on Yoon’s impeachment trial. The new justices commenced their duties earlier today, potentially tipping the balance toward upholding the impeachment.

To permanently remove President Yoon from office, at least six of the constitutional court’s justices must agree to uphold the impeachment. The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion against Yoon on December 14, citing charges including insurrection, and forwarded it to the constitutional court for a deliberation period of up to 180 days. During this time, Yoon’s presidential powers are suspended.

Compounding the political tensions, Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of December 3, a move that was swiftly revoked by the National Assembly just hours later. Investigative agencies have since named Yoon as a suspect in the insurrection charge, further intensifying the scrutiny on his leadership.

As South Korea navigates this period of political upheaval, Acting President Choi’s decision to retain the existing senior aides signals an attempt to maintain governmental stability and focus on pressing economic and social issues facing the nation.

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