South Korea: Acting President reassures people

(Baonghean.vn) - Yonhap news agency reported that just hours after becoming acting President of South Korea on December 9, Mr. Hwang Kyo-ahn gave a speech to the nation to reassure the public.

Acting South Korean President Hwang Kyo-ahn. Photo: AP.

“I accept the responsibility of acting President as stipulated in the Constitution with a heavy heart, and I will do my best to manage state affairs stably no matter how difficult the situation we are facing,” Mr. Hwang said. “I believe that in the current grave situation, our state affairs must not be slackened even for a moment.”

During a National Security Council meeting, Hwang stressed the need to respond if North Korea carries out any provocations based on its “miscalculations,” and said that there must be no gaps in national security. “The responsibility I have been entrusted with is to do our best to prevent any national security problems by maintaining a solid state of readiness,” he said.

In addition, Mr. Hwang also called for maintaining a strong deterrence capability in the South Korea-US alliance and warned North Korea not to carry out propaganda activities aimed at sowing division among the South Korean people.

Washington will remain a steadfast ally of Seoul, after the South Korean National Assembly approved the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. Photo: Yonhap.

From the US, the White House reacted immediately after the South Korean National Assembly passed a plan to impeach President Park Geun-hye. The spokesman of the National Security Commission welcomed the fact that South Korea has continued to act peacefully, calmly and responsibly, based on the spirit of the country's democratic principles during the political turmoil.

The US official also reaffirmed that Washington remains a “steadfast partner and ally” of Seoul. The US-ROK alliance will continue to be a key factor in regional stability and security, and the US will continue to honor all alliance commitments, especially in the field of defense against the threat from North Korea.

Lan Ha

(According to Yonhap)