A group of civic leaders in South Korea on April 22 called on Acting President Han Duck-soo to enter the presidential race, describing him as the only leader capable of navigating the country through its current political and economic challenges.

The group, known as the “National Presidential Draft Committee,” said in a statement that “history will remember Han’s courageous decision and leadership,” though Han has not publicly stated whether he intends to run in the June 3 election.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo strikes the gavel during a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 22, 2025./Prime Minister’s Office
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo strikes the gavel during a Cabinet meeting at the government complex in Seoul on April 22, 2025./Prime Minister’s Office

At a press conference in Seoul, the committee said it was nominating Han as the conservative camp’s candidate, citing his experience managing crises and policy negotiations under successive administrations. “Han is not just a politician or administrator,” the group said, noting his past roles as chief presidential secretary for economic affairs during the Asian financial crisis under President Kim Dae-jung, as prime minister under President Roh Moo-hyun, ambassador to the United States under President Lee Myung-bak, and most recently prime minister again under President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The group said Han “has always prioritized national interest over political ideology” and highlighted what it called his integrity and record of public service free from personal gain. “He is a true leader who places capable people where they are needed and consistently pursues national interest-first policies,” it said.

Asked about his intentions in a Financial Times interview published on April 20, Han said he had not yet made a decision regarding a presidential bid. When pressed again about running in the June 3 election, he replied, “No comment.”