South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo vowed Friday to ensure stability in national security and diplomacy following the Constitutional Court's ruling that ousted former President Yoon Suk Yeol. 
&ldquo;As acting president, I will ensure that there is no vacuum in national security or foreign affairs, and (the country) maintains a firm and unwavering security posture,&rdquo; Han said in a televised national address.
&ldquo;I will also do everything in my authority to ensure that there are no disruptions in addressing pressing issues such as trade disputes, and firmly maintain public order so that our citizens feel safe and secure,&rdquo; he said.
The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld Yoon&rsquo;s impeachment, removing him from office over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. South Korea is required to hold a snap presidential election within 60 days, Yonhap news agency reported.
Han promised to do all he could to ensure a smooth transition of leadership to the next president.
&ldquo;I will strictly abide by the Constitution and the law to ensure the next government is launched without delay,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;I will do my utmost to oversee a smooth and fair presidential election.&rdquo;
Han called on public officials to carry out their duties responsibly and with diligence.
&ldquo;Please devote yourselves to ensuring that the Republic of Korea overcomes this crisis and that the everyday lives of our citizens remain steady and undisturbed,&rdquo; he said.
Han asked the political circles and the National Assembly to &ldquo;set aside differences&rdquo; and come together &ldquo;in unity and with wisdom&rdquo; for the nation's future.
Han also visited the central disaster headquarters at the government complex in Seoul to check safety and security.
He instructed officials and relevant agencies to make every effort to maintain public order and to minimise any damage or potential clashes arising from demonstrations.
&ldquo;Now is the time for the people,&rdquo; he was quoted by his office as saying during the visit. &ldquo;As the decision was made in accordance with our constitutional order, it must be respected, and the public should express their opinions peacefully and demonstrate mature civic awareness.&rdquo;
Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party (DP) on Friday hailed the Constitutional Court&rsquo;s decision to oust President Yoon Suk Yeol as a &ldquo;great victory for the people.&rdquo;
Shortly after the court&rsquo;s verdict was announced, Rep. Cho Seung-rae, the DP&rsquo;s senior spokesperson, made the remarks, expressing deep appreciation to the people for &ldquo;once again leading the nation through the crisis.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Today marks a historic day when we defended the Constitution and safeguarded democracy against the forces that sought to destroy it,&rdquo; Cho said.
He urged Yoon and the People Power Party (PPP) to &ldquo;humbly accept the will of the people and the court's decision&rdquo; and to sincerely apologize to the nation, Yonhap news agency reported.
&ldquo;We will continue to serve the will of the people with greater humility and determination,&rdquo; he said.
&mdash;IANS

South Korea former President Yoon Suk Yeol, his supporters

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Thursday removed former prez Yoon Suk Yeol form office

Duck-Soo Vows Stability after Yoon’s Ouster

South Korea’s Constitutional Court on Thursday removed former prez Yoon Suk Yeol form office

April 4, 2025 | 11:15 IST