Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn addressed the nation on March 10 after the Constitutional Court of Korea upheld a decision to impeach former President Park Geun-hye.

“As our nation is facing the unprecedented crisis of impeachment, a first-ever for our constitution, the government will carry out state affairs with more determination than ever before,” the acting president said.

“The court’s unanimous decision was made in accordance with our constitution and laws,” the acting president said. “Korea is a nation of free democracy founded on constitutionalism.”

“Now is the time to accept the impeachment and to bring an end to conflicts and confrontation that our nation has faced. It’s time that the nation understand itself, heal our wounds and walk forward hand-in-hand. We are in a national crisis. We are facing challenges of many kinds, from North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile threats, and rapidly changing global affairs, through to economic uncertainties both at home and abroad, and the instability in the livelihoods of the people. Furthermore, we have to elect a new leader in such a short time: only 60 days.”

“We need to get out of this crisis and get back on track as quickly as possible. We will keep tabs on state affairs based on our solid security, so as not to let this current unstable situation continue out of control.”

The acting president went on to say, “The nation has become what it is now after many challenges that it has gone through and overcome. We ask that our citizens combine their wisdom and strength to press forward and to persevere in these times, with hope.”

By Jeon Han, Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writers
Photos: Korea.net DB
hanjeon@korea.kr