SKorea's actıng president aims to steady nation

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL (AA) - South Korea's acting leader Hwang Kyo-ahn vowed to maintain state affairs Saturday, less than 24 hours after the prime minister assumed power following a vote by Seoul's parliament to impeach President Park Geun-hye.

"The government is carrying out all measures necessary to prevent any government vacuum and ease the people's anxiety," Hwang told Cabinet ministers during an emergency meeting according to his office.

He particularly highlighted the need to be vigilant over potential threats from North Korea and economic uncertainties.

"Until now, the financial and foreign currency markets have remained relatively stable and no special development from North Korea has been reported," Hwang reflected.

The PM is set to remain in charge until the Constitutional Court either confirms or overturns the parliament's push to oust Park, who faces a series of charges including allowing a secret confidante to influence South Korean affairs and coercing conglomerates to make donations.

State prosecutors are to announce the outcome of their investigation Sunday, but the court is moving quickly to conclude proceedings -- for example, by requesting Friday that Park present her defense by Dec. 16.

It suggests the nine-member court may not need its allocation of six months to make a decision, which could trigger a snap election.

Meanwhile, a seventh consecutive weekend of anti-Park mass protests continued Saturday.

Demonstrators in Seoul once more had permission to form a line just 100 meters (328 feet) from the presidential office.

Organizations made up of 1,500 civic groups said they would continue to rally until Park leaves office.