[Minute to Read] Top presidential aides resign over Acting President’s judicial appointments

The Minute to Read (Weekdays) series provides a quick overview of significant events in Korea everyday, conveniently condensed into a one-minute read. Here’s a recap of what happened yesterday: Jan. 1.

Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk, left, and National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, right, wait in line at the joint memorial altar for victims of the Jeju Air crash outside Seoul City Hall on the morning of Dec. 31, 2024./Newsis

Top presidential aides resign over Acting President’s judicial appointments

Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who also serves as deputy prime minister and minister of economy and finance, does not intend to accept the resignations of top presidential aides, the Ministry of Economy and Finance announced on Jan. 1. Earlier that day, Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk and other senior officials resigned, reportedly in protest of Choi’s unilateral decision to appoint two Constitutional Court justices without bipartisan agreement. While Choi defended the appointments as necessary to address political and economic challenges, critics accused him of overstepping his temporary role and making a decision likely to deepen political conflict. Despite the backlash, Choi emphasized the need to focus on economic stabilization and governmental stability, stating he has no plans to approve the resignations.

CIO chief: Blocking Yoon arrest could lead to obstruction charges

Oh Dong-woon, chief prosecutor of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), stated on Jan. 1 that the office will execute the court-issued arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk-yeol by the Jan. 6 deadline. Addressing reporters, Oh confirmed that the CIO had warned the Presidential Security Service against obstructing the arrest, noting such actions could result in charges of special obstruction of public duty and abuse of power. He dismissed objections from Yoon’s legal team regarding the CIO’s authority, emphasizing that the court’s issuance of the warrant resolved the matter. Oh underscored the office’s commitment to enforcing the law while urging the investigative team to ensure due process, respect, and the prevention of illegal actions during the arrest.

All 179 Jeju Air crash victims identified, families visit site for first time

Officials confirmed on Jan. 1 that all 179 victims of the Jeju Air crash at Muan International Airport have been identified, allowing grieving families to visit the crash site for the first time since the Dec. 28 tragedy. Families held memorial services at the site, placing offerings and calling out the names of loved ones amid scenes of profound grief. Memorial services also continued nationwide, with over 80 altars established at public institutions and plazas, including a joint mourning altar at the airport that drew hundreds of mourners, prompting safety advisories due to large crowds.

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[The Chosun Daily]

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