"I feel terrible that we have met the unprecedented and unfortunate event of a president's vacancy in the process of trying to resolve the difficult political situation," a presidential spokesperson quoted him as saying in a press release.

"I ask you to squarely face the reality surrounding the continued economic and security crises and renew your resolute determination to serve the nation and the people unwaveringly during the time we have left."

An early presidential election will be held on May 9 to pick Park's successor. Had she not been ousted, her term would have ended in February next year.

Han stressed the importance of faithfully assisting Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn to prevent gaps in the running of state affairs, according to the spokesperson.

The chief of staff and other senior presidential aides tendered their resignations earlier this week to take responsibility for Park's ouster. Hwang turned them down, citing the urgency of stably managing the government. (Yonhap)