Authorities call on ex-ministers for questioning in probe over insurgency matter
Former Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed from a National Assembly plenary session in Yeouido, Seoul on May 1, following his resignation amidst allegations and an impeachment motion against him.
Choi, formerly the acting president after the suspension of Yoon Suk Yeol and Han Duck-soo due to impeachment proceedings, stepped down from his position at the Finance Ministry. His resignation came shortly after the Democratic Party proposed an impeachment motion against him, accusing him of delayed appointments to the Constitutional Court and other allegations during his tenure as acting president.
In a parting speech, Choi encouraged public servants to hold onto their convictions as they face political challenges. His remarks seemed to allude to the political pressure he experienced during his resignation.
Choi's departure may have implications for the Finance 4 (F4) group, an informal body responsible for macroeconomic and financial matters. The F4 has played a crucial role in stabilizing financial markets during turbulent times.
Following Choi's resignation, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho took over as the acting president. Choi had served as acting president for 88 days prior to his resignation.
As for the ongoing impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Lee Sang-min, the former Minister of the Interior and Safety, testified as a witness during the seventh hearing on Feb 11 in central Seoul.
In related developments, talks on tariffs are expected to progress, given Choi's departure and the appointment of a new acting president. The specifics of those discussions, however, were not immediately available.
- The political implications of Choi's resignation from the Finance Ministry may extend to the Finance 4 (F4) group, an informal body that has a significant role in stabilizing financial markets.
- In his parting speech, former Finance Minister Choi expressed his opinions on the challenges faced by public servants in the context of political pressure, alluding to his own experiences during his resignation.
- The editorial section of many newspapers and political commentators have expressed opinions on the policy-and-legislation ramifications of Choi's resignation, particularly in regards to the economy and finance.
- The resignation of Choi, amidst allegations and an impeachment motion, makes it possible for war-and-conflicts and general-news discussions to shift away from the politics surrounding the Finance Ministry, although the ongoing impeachment trial of former President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to dominate headlines.
