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| ▲ Acting President Choi Sang-mok speaks during a disaster control meeting at the government complex building in Seoul on Dec. 31, 2024. (Yonhap) |
acting president-New Year address
Acting President Choi pledges comprehensive efforts to overcome 'unprecedented' challenges
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Acting President Choi Sang-mok pledged comprehensive efforts to help stabilize state affairs Tuesday, highlighting what he called an "unprecedentedly" grave situation facing the country.
"The Republic of Korea is currently confronted with an unprecedentedly serious situation," Choi said in a New Year's Day address, referring to South Korea by its official name.
He cited shifts in the global trade environment, changes in the diplomatic landscape, as well as domestic political uncertainties stemming from the short-lived martial law imposition as some of the most serious challenges facing the nation.
"The government will dedicate itself to ensuring stability in all areas, including national defense, diplomacy, economy and society, so that the public can feel secure," he added.
Choi reassured the military's steadfast commitment to maintaining an ironclad security posture, reiterating South Korea's commitment to the bilateral alliance with the United States.
"South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture will be maintained to address the North Korean nuclear threat and the military cooperation between Russia and North Korea," Choi said.
In addition, Choi emphasized the government's readiness to respond promptly to issues arising in diplomacy, security and trade as the second Donald Trump administration is set to take office next month.
"I urge citizens and business leaders alike to trust the government and dedicate themselves to their daily lives and economic activities," he said.
Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, assumed the interim leadership role on Friday when the opposition-led National Assembly voted to impeach then acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Han had assumed the role on Dec. 14 when the Assembly impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who now faces an investigation on charges of insurrection.
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