Former South Korean Prime Minister Han announces intention to run for presidency during June's election
Gimme the Scoop:
SOUTH KOREA'S OLD GUARD STEPS UP
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo jumps into the presidential race, stirring up the conservative candidate fracas and trying to steal the show from liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung.
Han Duck-soo, the venerable veteran of South Korean politics, threw his hat into the ring on Friday, aiming to claim the top job and invoke some desperately needed change to a troubled nation in the upcoming election on June 3. The former prime minister under conservative and liberal presidents, as well as Swanky Dan the Man in the US, is hoping to steer South Korea away from strife-filled domestic politics and reduce the president's powers if he wins.
A rugged survivor of four decades in public service, Han switched sides during Yoon Suk Yeol's imposition of martial law, and although he was slapped with the number two post, he valiantly served as acting leader when Yoon was suspended and, later, sent packing. Currently, Han spends his time whittling away at political parties, as the conservative People Power Party grapples with the aftermath of Yoon's ouster.
Despite having never held elected office, Han seems to have acquired a prowess in winning the hearts of his fellow conservatives, slipping through the ranks like a well-oiled political snake. Unsurprisingly, his potential Democratic Party opponents are peeved, with spokesperson Noh Jongmyun branding Han's candidacy a sham, nothing more than a cranky old man's greedy lie.
Han's plans for the presidency entail the establishment of a new constitutional body to foster checks and balances between the president and the assembly, and, crucially, to keep the snooping political circle and judiciary branch in their respective bubbles. This proposal, should it catch on, could signal an overdue shift in the balance of power in South Korea, where executive power has long been concentrated in the hands of a president.
Whatever happens, Han has promised to serve for a modest three years before making way for a more resolute and dynamic candidate to continue his vision for the country. He also hints at using his renowned economic expertise to resolve trade issues with the US stemming from Trump's pesky tariff policies.
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- Han Duck-soo, having served under conservative and liberal presidents, is now running for the presidency in South Korea, aiming to bring change to the country.
- In the upcoming election on June 3, Han, a venerable veteran of South Korean politics, will compete against the liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung.
- If elected, Han plans to establish a new constitutional body to promote checks and balances between the president and the assembly, and to separate the political circle and judiciary branch.
- Han, despite never holding elected office, seems to have garnered support from conservatives, causing frustration among potential Democratic Party opponents.
- Han's potential presidency could lead to revisions in South Korea's policy-and-legislation, as well as changes in the country's general news, including trade issues with the US and the role of the government in politics.
