The resignation of Han Duck-soo, acting president and Prime Minister, signals his intention to contest in the forthcoming presidential elections amid a backdrop of political turmoil and legal challenges.
South Korea's Prime Minister Steps Down, Sets Sights on Presidential Race
South Korea's Prime Minister Steps Down, Sets Sights on Presidential Race
In a significant political move, South Korea's acting president resigns ahead of the June elections, intensifying the electoral landscape.
South Korea's acting president, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, announced his resignation on Thursday, indicating his intention to run in the upcoming June 3 presidential election. For weeks, Mr. Han had been contemplating this decision, which comes after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appointed Han as his deputy.
The resignation follows a Supreme Court ruling that raises uncertainties for Lee Jae-myung, the front-running presidential candidate from the ruling Democratic Party. This court decision may challenge Jae-myung’s ability to contest effectively, adding complexity to an already tumultuous political climate since Yoon declared martial law late last year, a move that eventually led to his removal.
In his resignation statement, Mr. Han expressed his commitment to addressing the national crisis. While he did not explicitly announce his candidacy, his intentions have been interpreted by media and political pundits as a clear signal of his electoral ambitions. Reports suggest that Mr. Han is planning to hold a news conference later this week to officially declare his presidential run, further shaping the narrative of South Korea's electoral landscape as it heads toward critical elections.
The resignation follows a Supreme Court ruling that raises uncertainties for Lee Jae-myung, the front-running presidential candidate from the ruling Democratic Party. This court decision may challenge Jae-myung’s ability to contest effectively, adding complexity to an already tumultuous political climate since Yoon declared martial law late last year, a move that eventually led to his removal.
In his resignation statement, Mr. Han expressed his commitment to addressing the national crisis. While he did not explicitly announce his candidacy, his intentions have been interpreted by media and political pundits as a clear signal of his electoral ambitions. Reports suggest that Mr. Han is planning to hold a news conference later this week to officially declare his presidential run, further shaping the narrative of South Korea's electoral landscape as it heads toward critical elections.
