Former South Korean prime minister Han Duck-soo has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency, entering a turbulent political race prompted by the impeachment of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol.
The snap election, scheduled for June 3, follows months of unrest after Yoon was ousted in December over his controversial declaration of martial law, a move that plunged the nation into deep political turmoil.
Speaking in a televised address on Friday, Han confirmed his decision to run. “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,” he said. “I will do my utmost to be chosen by our people in this presidential election.”
Han had earlier signalled his intentions when he resigned as both acting president and prime minister on Thursday, suggesting a readiness to assume “greater responsibility”.
A seasoned public servant, the 75-year-old has served under both conservative and liberal administrations. His career includes tenures as finance minister, trade minister, ambassador to the United States, and two stints as prime minister—first under late president Roh Moo-hyun and later under Yoon Suk Yeol.
He is widely expected to align with Yoon’s conservative People Power Party to form a unified front against liberal contender Lee Jae-myung.
In his campaign launch speech, Han vowed to confront current trade disputes with Washington and proposed constitutional reforms, including a revision to South Korea’s five-year, single-term presidency—a system long criticised for centralising too much power in a single leader without adequate checks and balances.
“I have dedicated my life to serving on the front lines of economic development as a proud public servant of the Republic of Korea,” he said.
Presidential Race in Flux as Legal Turmoil Continues
Han’s announcement comes as the presidential race faces renewed uncertainty. On Thursday, South Korea’s top court overturned a ruling that had previously cleared frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of making false statements during an earlier campaign, casting doubt on his eligibility to run.
That same day, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok—who was poised to take over as acting president—resigned amid an impeachment vote by opposition lawmakers. The impeachment motion, linked to Choi’s alleged involvement in the martial law controversy, was suspended following his resignation.
These developments add further volatility to an already chaotic political climate as the country prepares for a crucial election to restore leadership and public trust.
