Acting South Korean President Hwang Kyo-ahn on
Friday asked all parties concerned to respect the constitutional court’s ruling
on former President Park Geun-hye.
Hwang addressed the
nation in a nationally televised speech, after the court’s unanimous decision
to oust Park.
Park became the first
South Korean leader to be permanently removed from office through impeachment.
The acting president
said he felt a grave responsibility for the first impeachment of president in
the constitutional history, vowing to manage state affairs with an unusually
strong determination.
Touching on the rival
rallies among pro- and anti-Park protesters, Hwang said now is the time to end
conflict and confrontation, asking all of people to respect the court’s
decision.
The rival
demonstrations were held outside the court, with two of Park royalists passing
away after being taken to a nearby hospital.
Candlelight vigils had
lasted among anti-Park protesters since the corruption scandal embroiling Park
emerged in late October.
Conservative voters
also continued pro-Park rallies to oppose the impeachment.
Hwang said both
participants in the rival rallies took to the streets on patriotic concerns
about the country, saying it would not be desirable anymore for people to go
outside for rally.
He said a new president
should be elected within 60 days, noting that if reconciliation is not based,
the stable management of the presidential election may not be made possible.
The presidential
election is forecast to be held on May 9.
Hwang emerged as the
best hope among conservative voters as there is no outstanding rival in the
conservative camp.
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