SOUTH KOREA’S ACTING PRESIDENT URGES CALM AHEAD OF YOON’S IMPEACHMENT VERDICT

SEOUL, April 2 (Bernama-Yonhap) -- South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo on Wednesday called for accepting the Constitutional Court’s upcoming ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Han made the appeal during a meeting convened to coordinate public safety measures ahead of Friday’s verdict on whether to dismiss or reinstate Yoon, following his short-lived martial law bid in December.

“Regardless of the decision, we must accept the result in a calm and level-headed manner, in compliance with the principles of the rule of law,” he said at the meeting, which was attended by the chiefs of the science, justice, defence, and interior ministries, as well as the heads of the police and firefighting agencies, and the mayor of Seoul.

“If we become one again with the strength and wisdom of our people, we will certainly be able to overcome the current crisis of confusion and conflict,” he said.

Han urged protesters to express their views peacefully, warning that the government would not tolerate any illegal or violent acts.

Any challenge to law enforcement — including the destruction of facilities, assault, and arson — will result in immediate arrest and be dealt with under a principle of zero tolerance, he added.

Han also delivered a message to politicians.

“Now is the time to prioritise the stability and survival of our community over political gain or loss,” he said. “Please demonstrate a responsible attitude that fosters social cohesion rather than division and conflict.”

He added, “I earnestly urge you to refrain from making remarks that could provoke or incite illegal protests or violence.”

-- BERNAMA-YONHAP