Han Duck-soo Assumes Acting Presidency... "Cabinet Meeting and Public Address Scheduled"

With the impeachment motion against President Yoon Suk-yeol passed by the National Assembly on the 14th, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will assume the presidential powers from that night.

According to the Constitution, the acting president inherits presidential powers such as the △command of the armed forces △diplomatic authority △treaty ratification rights △rights concerning pardons, commutations, and restorations △rights to request reconsideration and promulgation of laws △appointment and dismissal of public officials △formation of constitutional institutions. As the Prime Minister exercises presidential powers, security and protocol are expected to change accordingly. According to the Presidential Security Act, the acting president and their spouse are included in the security targets of the Presidential Security Service. The responsibility for security is transferred to the Presidential Security Service as soon as one becomes the acting president.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Acting President Han communicated with ministers or acting ministers in charge of foreign affairs, defense, and public safety, as well as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issuing urgent instructions related to security and public safety. Once the impeachment resolution is delivered to President Yoon, he will officially proceed with duties as acting president. He is scheduled to handle agendas such as an interim cabinet meeting, a public address, and a National Security Council (NSC) meeting.

Acting President Han will receive reports on his duties as acting president from the Office of the President and on coordinating the cabinet and inter-departmental policies within the executive branch from the Office for Government Policy Coordination. In the fields of diplomacy, security, defense, and public safety, where the Office of the President has been more involved than the Office for Government Policy Coordination, the support role of the Yongsan aides is deemed essential. It is expected that, following precedent, he will continue to use the Prime Minister's office at the Government Complex Seoul.

However, there is a forecast that Acting President Han will exercise only minimal powers to maintain the current situation rather than actively managing state affairs. This is because he is under investigation by the 'Permanent Special Prosecutor for Rebellion' led by the opposition party and must also be investigated for charges of rebellion by the Special Investigation Team of the National Investigation Headquarters. The Democratic Party of Korea is also considering an impeachment motion against Acting President Han.

Reporter Kim Dong-hyun 3code@hankyung.com