South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo is expected to resign as early as May 1, according to sources on April 28. Han plans to step down from his roles as acting president and prime minister once ongoing trade negotiations with the United States reach a preliminary conclusion, preparing to formally launch his presidential campaign. In line with this, Prime Minister’s Chief Secretary Son Young-taek, who has assisted Han, also resigned on April 28. Political circles expect Han’s presidential campaign to begin immediately after his resignation.
An associate close to Han said, “His resignation and official declaration are expected between May 1 and May 3.” Han initially considered stepping down earlier this week but reportedly delayed the move due to urgent developments in the U.S. trade talks. The most likely scenario now is resignation on May 1 and a campaign launch on May 2. Under election law, public officials must resign by May 4 to run in the presidential election.
After resigning, Han is expected to issue a public statement signaling his candidacy. A confidant said, “Han believes overcoming national crises and achieving national unity are critical,” adding, “He feels that sustainable economic growth requires political reform, including a constitutional amendment to shift to a decentralized system, even if it means shortening the next presidential term to three years.”
Han is reportedly considering forming a coalition government with political forces supportive of constitutional reform. He is also expected to seek a broad “big tent” coalition against Lee Jae-myung, bringing together the People Power Party candidate, Reform Party candidate Lee Jun-seok, and Saemirae Democratic Party candidate Lee Nak-yon.
Speculation about Han’s presidential bid has circulated since his first phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump on April 8. Trump’s direct inquiry during the call about Han’s presidential intentions further fueled the rumors. However, some political observers remain skeptical about whether Han will ultimately decide to run.
Following steady progress in the Korea-U.S. trade talks, including last week’s 2+2 meetings between finance and trade ministers, Han reportedly concluded that conditions were favorable for his resignation and candidacy. Han’s aide said, “With the U.S. signaling its intention to conclude trade negotiations with the incoming Korean administration after the June 3 election, there are no major obstacles to Han’s decision to run.”
Han, who has served for more than 50 years as an economic and trade official — including as minister of trade negotiations, finance minister, and prime minister under President Roh Moo-hyun — sees his extensive experience as crucial for navigating current domestic economic challenges and global trade tensions. During the Lee Myung-bak administration, he served as ambassador to the United States, successfully securing U.S. congressional ratification of the South Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. A confidant explained, “Han is deeply concerned that hostile domestic political dynamics and escalating global trade conflicts are pushing South Korea toward becoming a ‘growthless nation,’ which drove his decision to seriously consider a presidential bid.”
