Former Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, on Friday officially declared his intention to contest in the upcoming presidential election, becoming the latest candidate in a snap race prompted by the impeachment of ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The presidential election, scheduled for June 3, was triggered after Yoon’s removal from office following his controversial declaration of martial law in December. The move plunged the country into deep political crisis, culminating in his impeachment by parliament.
Han, who had been serving as acting president since Yoon’s ouster, resigned from both roles on Thursday. His departure had sparked speculation about his political ambitions, which he confirmed on Friday in a nationally televised speech.
“For the future of the Republic of Korea, a country I deeply love, and for all of us, I have decided to do what I can,” Han said.
“I will do my utmost to be chosen by our people in this presidential election.”
A seasoned public servant aged 75, Han is expected to join forces with Yoon’s conservative People Power Party in a bid to present a unified right-wing front against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung.
Han’s career spans several high-ranking roles across both liberal and conservative administrations. He previously served as South Korea’s finance minister, trade minister, and ambassador to the United States. Notably, he was appointed prime minister twice—first under late President Roh Moo-hyun and more recently by President Yoon.
“I have dedicated my life to serving on the front lines of economic development as a proud public servant of the Republic of Korea,” Han stated, as he pledged to address the country’s economic challenges, particularly the escalating trade dispute with Washington involving tariffs.
He also committed to a major constitutional reform, vowing to amend the country’s current presidential system, which limits the president to a single five-year term.
Han argued that the structure “concentrates excessive power in one individual” and lacks the necessary checks and balances for a modern democracy.
Han’s announcement comes amid heightened political tensions and legal battles. On Thursday, South Korea’s highest court overturned a ruling that had cleared frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of charges related to false statements made during a past campaign. The retrial order has cast uncertainty over Lee’s eligibility and viability in the upcoming election.
In another major development the same day, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok—who had been slated to succeed Han as acting president—also resigned. His resignation followed a parliamentary vote by opposition lawmakers to impeach him over alleged involvement in the martial law declaration, among other accusations.
Choi’s resignation effectively halted the impeachment proceedings against him.
