South Korea's interim president juggles multiple challenges

Finance mandarin dealing with Yoon's arrest, plane crash, North Korea and Trump return

20250107 Choi Sang-mok

Choi Sang-mok, front, is a veteran finance official who has been thrust into the role of leading South Korea through a volatile political period. © AP

KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- Just weeks ago, Choi Sang-mok was firmly ensconced in his comfort zone managing Group of 20-member South Korea's $1.9 trillion economy, the 12th largest in the world.

Now, the elite finance mandarin has been thrust into the role of acting president of the East Asian country after the double impeachments last month of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. He succeeded Han on Dec. 27.

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