Ex-South Korean PM Han Duck-soo Enters Presidential Race

Han Duck-soo, former Prime Minister of South Korea, has officially declared his intention to run for president in the upcoming snap election set for June 3.

The election follows the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose December declaration of martial law sparked a prolonged political crisis.

Han’s candidacy comes amid rising political uncertainty. Just a day earlier, a court ordered a retrial for a leading presidential hopeful over alleged election law violations, and two top officials, including Han, stepped down from their positions.

Having served as acting president since Yoon’s impeachment, Han confirmed his presidential ambitions during a televised address on Friday, stating, “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. I will do my utmost to earn the trust and votes of our people.”

The 75-year-old veteran bureaucrat is expected to align with the conservative People Power Party to challenge liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung. Han’s long career in public service includes key roles under both conservative and liberal administrations, such as finance minister, trade minister, and ambassador to the United States.

“I have devoted my life to advancing economic development as a dedicated public servant of Korea,” Han said. He pledged to confront ongoing trade challenges with Washington and vowed to push for constitutional reforms, including reducing the length of the presidential term.

South Korea’s current five-year, single-term presidency has been criticized for concentrating excessive power in one office, with limited oversight or accountability.

Han’s announcement came just one day after the Supreme Court overturned a not-guilty verdict involving Lee Jae-myung, throwing his candidacy into question.

Also on Thursday, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok—who was set to step in as acting president following Han’s resignation—also stepped down. Lawmakers had initiated impeachment proceedings against Choi over alleged involvement in the martial law episode. His resignation halted the impeachment process.