South Korea’s former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo officially announced his presidential bid on Friday, entering a high-stakes snap election triggered by the impeachment of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol.
The upcoming vote on June 3 will determine who takes over from Yoon, who was ousted after his controversial declaration of martial law in December plunged the country into a prolonged political crisis.
Tensions escalated further on Thursday when a retrial was ordered for leading presidential contender Lee Jae-myung over alleged election law violations. That same day, two top government officials — including Han — stepped down from their roles.
Han had hinted at his candidacy after resigning as both prime minister and acting president, saying he was ready to assume “greater responsibility.” In a televised address on Friday, he confirmed his run, 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 be chosen by our people in this presidential election.”
Han, 75, briefly served as acting president following Yoon’s impeachment. A seasoned bureaucrat, he is expected to align with Yoon’s conservative People Power Party to challenge liberal frontrunner Lee.
With a career spanning both liberal and conservative administrations, Han has held several key positions, including finance minister, trade minister, and ambassador to the United States. He served twice as prime minister — first under the late President Roh Moo-hyun, and more recently under Yoon.
“I have dedicated my life to serving on the front lines of economic development as a proud public servant,” Han said, pledging to address ongoing trade tensions with Washington and push for constitutional reform to shorten the presidential term — a single five-year period often criticised for centralising power.
Han’s entry into the race follows a major legal blow to Lee Jae-myung, whose previous acquittal on charges of making false campaign claims was overturned by the country’s top court, putting his candidacy in jeopardy.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok — who was poised to replace Han as acting president — also resigned on Thursday after opposition lawmakers launched impeachment proceedings over his alleged role in the martial law controversy. The process was halted following his resignation.
AFP
