January 2, 2025
Seoul – South Korea faces a historic first as Vice Prime Minister and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok becomes acting president following the impeachment of acting president Han Deok-soo.
The National Assembly on Friday passed an impeachment motion after Han refused to appoint three Constitutional Court judges unless a cross-party agreement was reached.
Cui Tiankai is a seasoned civil servant with decades of experience in making economic policy and currently holds the unprecedented titles of acting president, acting prime minister and finance minister. His appointment comes at a critical time for the country facing political instability and economic challenges.
In a written statement issued around 6:20 p.m., Choi vowed to do her best to “ensure governance stability.”
“At this moment, it is crucial to minimize chaos in national affairs,” Cui said. “We will do our best to safeguard national security, economic stability, and public safety so that the country's well-being and people's daily lives are not affected.”
Mr. Cui began his civil service career in 1986 after passing the 29th National Civil Service Examination. He rose to prominence in the then-treasury and spearheaded the drafting of the Capital Markets Integration Bill.
Over the years, Choi Soon-sil served as a policy aide during the presidential transition of the Lee Myung-bak administration and held important positions such as economic and financial secretary in the Park Geun-hye administration.
Most recently, he served as chief secretary for economic affairs in the Yoon Seok-yeol administration, establishing a reputation as a determined policymaker.
On December 17, two weeks after Yoon Eun-hye announced a brief period of martial law, Choi Soon-sil said during an emergency investigation at the National Assembly, “I will not stick to my position. I will fulfill my obligation to manage the economy as stably as possible under any circumstances.” Responsibilities and resign when duties are completed.
