Opposition may attempt to oust PM

Rep. Choo Mi-ae, chairwoman of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, speaks to reporters after an impeachment motion against President Park Geun-hye was passed at the National Assembly, Friday. Choo said the party will launch a campaign to oust Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, the acting head of state, if he "disappoints the people."
/ Yonhap

Lawmakers call for Cabinet reshuffle

By Kang Seung-woo

Rival parties are expected to clash over the role Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn will play as acting president.

The opposition side insists that Hwang should also step down, taking joint responsibility for the current political turmoil, triggered by the corruption scandal involving President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil. However, the ruling party is opposed to the idea, citing possible political uncertainties.

Hwang assumed interim presidential power, Friday, after the National Assembly voted in favor of impeaching Park. Until the Constitutional Court finishes reviewing the legality of the impeachment, which may take up to 180 days, he will lead the scandal-rocked government.

"Hwang should resign, taking moral accountability for the scandal," said Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung in a radio interview hours before the impeachment vote.

"Although the primary responsibility falls on the President, the prime minister is not immune from accountability because he failed to fulfill his duty to support her and prevent the ongoing situation."

He added: "In that respect, it is immmoral for Hwang to take over Park's job and exercise authority."

Lee's call is the latest demand from the opposition bloc for the prime minister's resignation.

Rep. Chung Dong-young of the second-largest opposition People's Party said, "It is an affront to the people that Hwang has become an acting head of state."

The four-term lawmaker even criticized him as "President Park's avatar."

Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae insisted all Cabinet members should step down; stressing the passage of the impeachment motion indicates distrust of the Cabinet.

"The people will not accept Hwang as acting president. If the impeachment motion is passed, political leaders need to discuss forming an interim Cabinet or replacing the prime minister," she said, Thursday.

However, the ruling Saenuri Party believes that such calls are like those from anarchists.

"The Constitution enables prime ministers to take over from impeached presidents," said Rep. Hong Moon-jong of the governing party.

"Should he step down, who will run the government? Such calls do not make sense at all amid growing domestic and foreign uncertainties."

Rep. Choung Byoung-gug also said the opposition's demand is irresponsible.

"Their call means a state of anarchy. Even though we should wait for the Constitutional Court's verdict for months, they made unconstitutional remarks," he said.

"It is just a political offensive."

Meanwhile, as acting president, Prime Minister Hwang is anticipated to focus on the nation's diplomacy and security to stem fallouts from the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye.

Earlier in the day, Hwang held a meeting with Cabinet members at the government complex in Seoul to discuss ways to normalize state affairs amid growing uncertainties, dented by the impeachment.

While serving as Park's proxy, Hwang is likely to set his sights on security and diplomatic issues.

On Thursday, Hwang warned that North Korea may seek to make provocations by taking advantage of the country's situation, adding the government must be thoroughly prepared to maintain national security.

"As the Prime Minister has stressed the importance of security, he is expected to prioritize dealing with threats from North Korea," said an official of the Prime Minister's Office.

In addition, he is expected to send messages to neighboring countries, including the United States, China, Japan and Russia, to ease their concerns over Seoul's uncertainties.

"Monitoring the situation at parliament, Prime Minister Hwang will prepare for a national address," said a government official ahead of the impeachment vote.

"He will show his determination to lead the country without any administrative vacuum."

When former President Roh Moo-hyun was impeached in March 2004, his premier Goh Kun first placed the military and police on high alert, and urged all economic players to commit themselves to stabilizing the economy.

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