Acting President Han Duck-soo is reportedly set to announce his presidential candidacy soon. His chief aide, Son Young-taek, resigned on April 28, and other political appointees are expected to follow suit to form a campaign team.
Speculation about Han’s candidacy grew following a call with U.S. President Donald Trump on April 8, during which Trump brought up the topic. Around 50 lawmakers from the People Power Party (PPP) have expressed support, and a citizen-led draft committee has been formed. While Han insists that no final decision has been made, he has visited domestic industrial sites and discussed trade and security issues, such as tariffs and the U.S. military presence, in interviews with foreign media. These actions were clearly political moves.
Presidential hopefuls within the PPP, who had been hesitant to unite behind Han, have now shifted their stance. All four candidates have agreed to a final unification process. Han is likely to first run as an independent and then seek unification with the PPP nominee, to be selected on May 3, possibly through public opinion polls.
Han has broad government experience, having served as minister, ambassador to the United States, deputy prime minister for economic affairs, and prime minister. His expertise in governance and trade is seen as a strength at a time of global trade turmoil and mounting risks to South Korea’s economy. Even without a formal declaration, he has led some polls among conservative candidates.
However, the role of an appointed prime minister and an elected president are fundamentally different. The Democratic Party argues that it is unfair for someone tasked with overseeing a fair election to enter the race. Many citizens also question the appropriateness of Han’s candidacy, given his three years as prime minister under former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was impeached for attempting martial law. A poll shows 66% of respondents view Han’s candidacy as “undesirable.”
Han must first clarify to the public why he is running. If his sole reason is to prevent Lee Jae-myung’s victory, it would lack credibility and likely fail. Han has not yet outlined his vision for the presidency. Some speculate that even if elected, he would push for constitutional reform and resign early, but it remains uncertain if the politically fatigued public would support such a plan.
With global dynamics shifting rapidly and economic stagnation persisting, Han must present detailed plans for overcoming the Yoon administration’s failures, unifying the nation, and addressing the ongoing security and economic crises.
