January 2, 2025
SEOUL – South Korea faces a historic first as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok assumes the role of acting president following the impeachment of acting President Han Duck-soo.
The National Assembly passed the impeachment motion Friday after Han refused to appoint three Constitutional Court justices unless there was cross-party agreement.
Choi, a seasoned civil servant with decades of economic policymaking experience, now carries the unprecedented titles of acting president, acting prime minister and finance minister. His appointment comes at a critical time, with the nation grappling with political instability and economic challenges.
In a written statement released by Choi at around 6:20 p.m., he vowed to do his best to “ensure stability” in governance.
“At this moment, minimizing confusion in state affairs is of utmost importance,” Choi said. “We will dedicate all our efforts to maintaining strong national security, a stable economy and secure public safety so that the nation’s well-being and the daily lives of our people remain unaffected.”
Choi began his civil service career in 1986 after passing the 29th national civil service examination. He rose to prominence in the then-Finance Ministry, where he spearheaded the drafting of the Capital Market Consolidation Act.
Over the years, Choi has held key positions, including working as a policy aide during the Lee Myung-bak administration’s presidential transition and serving as secretary for economic and financial affairs in the Park Geun-hye administration.
Most recently, he served as senior presidential secretary for economic affairs under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, building a reputation as a steadfast policymaker.
On Dec. 17, two weeks after declaration of Yoon’s short-lived martial law, Choi appeared before an emergency inquiry at the National Assembly, saying, “I will not cling to my position. I will fulfill my responsibility to manage the economy as stably as possible under any circumstances and step down once that duty is complete.”