Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a meeting at the Government Complex Seoul in Jongno District, Seoul, Dec. 10. Yonhap
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo made a plea to political leaders and civil society to make efforts to stabilize state affairs and unite the nation to address political turmoil triggered by President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law declaration.
Han made the remark during the first Cabinet meeting held after Yoon declared martial law last Tuesday and lifted it hours later, which shocked the nation and made his political fate uncertain.
"The government will dedicate all its efforts to ensuring the early stabilization of state affairs, solely in accordance with the will of the people," Han said.
Han said the Cabinet would make efforts to ensure the stable function of the government, urging public officials to conduct their duties with an "extraordinary sense of resolve."
Yoon faces growing calls to resign and has been placed under a travel ban Monday as authorities have launched investigations into treason and other charges related to his imposition of martial law.
Han instructed the foreign and defense ministries to maintain the strong alliance with the United States and trilateral security cooperation with Japan, while ensuring readiness against North Korea's potential provocations.
He also called on economic officials to mobilize all available measures to prevent instability in the financial markets and engage with international organizations and credit rating agencies to communicate the government's efforts to stabilize the economy. (Yonhap)