South Korea’s former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has announced his candidacy for next month’s presidential election, pledging to curtail the powers of the presidency and reduce political polarisation.
Han’s declaration intensifies the competition among conservative figures to unify behind a single challenger to liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, whose campaign recently suffered a blow following a court ruling to proceed with a retrial over alleged violations of election laws.
“I’ve determined to find what I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea that I love and for all of us. I’ll try my utmost to be chosen by the people at this presidential election,” Han said during a press briefing at the National Assembly.
The 3 June vote is being held early after conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol was removed from office following his imposition of martial law.
Han, who had been appointed prime minister by Yoon — South Korea’s second-highest executive post — served as acting head of state following Yoon’s suspension and eventual dismissal.
Han, a seasoned civil servant with four decades in public office, previously served as prime minister under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008, and has held posts including trade minister, finance minister and ambassador to the United States.Â
Though never elected, Han has emerged as a leading figure among conservatives as the People Power Party (PPP) grapples with internal disarray in the aftermath of Yoon’s ouster.
While Han is not officially affiliated with any party, members of the PPP have expressed willingness to rally behind a unified candidate, potentially including Han. The PPP is expected to announce its nominee on Saturday.
If successful in his bid, Han said he would establish a commission to revise the constitution, aiming to distribute executive authority more evenly between the president and the National Assembly, in line with a system of checks and balances.Â
His proposals would also prevent the judiciary and political spheres from encroaching on each other’s roles.
Calls to reform South Korea’s presidency — widely seen as excessively powerful — have been mounting for years. The next head of state will serve a full, single five-year term, but Han pledged to step down after three years, once constitutional changes are implemented.
Han also noted he would leverage his experience in economic governance to address ongoing trade tensions with the United States, particularly those stemming from US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariff measures.
The liberal Democratic Party, led by Lee, criticised Han’s candidacy, accusing him of shirking his responsibilities as caretaker prime minister and lacking the moral standing to pursue the presidency, given his role in the now-defunct Yoon administration.
“We warn the former Prime Minister Han. Don’t hide your greed with a lie that you are running for the people,” said party spokesperson Noh Jongmyun.
