Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Announces Candidacy for South Korea's June 3 Presidential Election

Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Announces Candidacy for South Korea's June 3 Presidential Election

For the third time in less than six months, South Korea has sworn in an acting president, after former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo resigned to run in a special presidential election scheduled for June 3.

Education Minister Lee Ju-ho was appointed acting leader on Friday and pledged to ensure “stability.” Speaking to reporters, he said, “I will do my utmost to ensure that government operations are conducted in an orderly manner.”

The appointment of a new acting president comes at a time when Han’s candidacy adds further uncertainty to an election already clouded by controversy surrounding Lee Jae-myung, the left-leaning leader of the Democratic Party and Han’s main rival, whose eligibility has been called into question.

At a press conference in the National Assembly on Friday, Han said, “I have decided to explore what I can do for the future of our beloved Korea and for all of us.”

“I will do my utmost to be elected by the people in this presidential election.”

On Thursday, South Korea’s Supreme Court overturned an acquittal of Lee Jae-myung in an election law violation case and sent it back to a lower court. If he is convicted before the election, Lee—who has led in polls for months—could be disqualified from running.

The upcoming election was called following the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, a former prosecutor who later became a conservative politician. He was removed from office in December after a sudden declaration of martial law.

Although Yoon’s decree lasted less than six hours and was overturned by the South Korean parliament, the political unrest and turmoil it sparked have persisted for months.

Han, 75, initially assumed the role of acting president on December 14 after Yoon’s impeachment. He was later impeached himself and replaced by Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok.

In March, the Constitutional Court overturned Han’s impeachment and reinstated him as acting president.

An experienced politician and bureaucrat, Han has served as prime minister under both liberal and conservative administrations. He has also held positions as trade minister, finance minister, and South Korea’s ambassador to the United States.

Although Han is not affiliated with any political party, it is widely speculated that he will align with Yoon’s conservative People Power Party.

Han has stated that the main theme of his campaign will be to limit executive powers and amend the constitution to ensure greater checks and balances and accountability.

Following Han’s announcement, the Democratic Party accused him of abandoning his caretaker responsibilities.

Party spokesperson Noh Jong-myoon said, “We warn former Prime Minister Han — do not hide your greed behind the lie that you are running for the people.”