South Korea Presidential Election Heats Up as Han Resigns
Synopsis
South Korea's acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, announced his resignation Thursday, fueling widespread expectations he will enter the upcoming South Korean presidential election scheduled for June 3. South Korea Presidential Election Takes Shape…
South Korea's acting leader, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, announced his resignation Thursday, fueling widespread expectations he will enter the upcoming South Korean presidential election scheduled for June 3.
South Korea Presidential Election Takes Shape
"I've finally determined to put down my post to do what I can and what I have to help overcome the crises facing us," Han said during a nationally televised address, hinting at "taking a heavier responsibility" without explicitly confirming his candidacy.
Political observers expect Han to officially launch his campaign Friday as a conservative standard-bearer in the South Korea presidential election. The main conservative People Power Party has struggled to regroup after President Yoon Suk Yeol's December impeachment and April dismissal.
Conservative Camp Seeks Unity
Han, 75, likely aims to unite the fragmented conservative bloc for the South Korea presidential election against liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung, who secured his party's nomination Sunday.
The veteran bureaucrat brings substantial government experience, having served in top positions under both conservative and liberal administrations. His economic expertise, including stints as finance minister and trade minister, could prove valuable amid concerns about U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policies.
Legal Challenge Hits Liberal Candidate
Lee's campaign faced complications Thursday when South Korea's Supreme Court ordered a lower court to reconsider its earlier decision canceling his election law violation conviction.
This development adds uncertainty to the South Korea presidential election, as Korean law prohibits anyone fined over 1 million won ($683) for election violations from running for office for five years.
The Democratic Party condemned the ruling, accusing the Supreme Court of election interference.
Leadership Transition Complicated
With Han's midnight resignation, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok was expected to become acting leader until the South Korea presidential election. However, Choi also resigned Thursday night after the opposition-controlled National Assembly pushed for his impeachment.
Deputy Prime Minister Lee Ju-Ho now stands next in line to lead the government until voters choose a new president.
Han's Complex Political Journey
Han began serving as acting leader after Yoon's December impeachment over a controversial martial law declaration. The Harvard-educated economist quickly clashed with the opposition Democratic Party by refusing to fill three vacant Constitutional Court seats as the court deliberated Yoon's fate.
Opposition parties impeached Han in late December, but the Constitutional Court overturned his impeachment in March, reinstating him before ultimately dismissing Yoon in April.
Criticism from Opposition
The Democratic Party sharply criticized Han's decision to resign. Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae said, "Only the people's severe punishment awaits Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is blind with greed and abandons state affairs."
Critics also question whether Han can build sufficient political support, noting his lack of elected experience and his age as potential liabilities in the South Korea presidential election.
The June 3 vote will determine who leads the country after months of political turmoil following Yoon's unprecedented removal from office.
Source
AP News - South Korea’s acting leader Han resigns amid reports he will run for president
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