Acting President Choi Sang-mok speaks during a ceremony to mark the start of business for the new year at the government complex in Seoul on Thursday. (Yonhap)
Acting President Choi Sang-mok speaks during a ceremony to mark the start of business for the new year at the government complex in Seoul on Thursday. (Yonhap)

Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Thursday emphasized the critical role of public officials in facing what he described as an "unprecedentedly grave situation."

Choi made the remarks during a government ceremony marking the first trading day of the year, just one week after he assumed interim leadership.

"Although the new year has begun, the Republic of Korea is facing an unprecedentedly severe situation," Choi said, referring to South Korea by its official name. "As the country faces challenges, the role of public officials becomes even more important."

Citing the recent domestic political turmoil, Choi said the public is experiencing significant distress and anxiety.

"To ensure the public does not worry and can continue their daily lives, all public officials must devote themselves wholeheartedly to stabilizing the government as quickly as possible," Choi added.

On Friday, the opposition-controlled National Assembly voted to impeach then acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Han was impeached less than two weeks after he took over on Dec. 14 from President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached for declaring martial law. (Yonhap)