South Korean former Prime Minister Han announces candidacy for presidency
Fired-Up Race: Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Jumps into the Fray for Next Month's Presidential Election
Han's bold move stirs up competition among conservatives aiming to combat liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung, whose campaign took a hit with a court ruling to launch a re-trial on contravention charges.
In a press conference held at the National Assembly, Han declared his intentions for the upcoming vote, emphasizing his determination to serve the future of the Republic of Korea:
Political Venture by an 'Outsider':
South Korea is about to witness an unusual political candidate, as Han has never held elected office. Yet, he's been a political force to be reckoned with due to the PPP's struggles following Yoon's ouster.
With no political party affiliation, Han might be a wild card in the eyes of some. Nonetheless, contenders within the PPP have expressed willingness to unite under a single candidate—perhaps Han himself. The PPP candidates will finalize their choice today.
A Man of Many Hats:
Han boasts a distinguished 40-year career in public service, holding several key positions, including prime minister, ambassador to the United States, and chairman of the Korea International Trade Association. His tenure as prime minister under former president Roh Moo-hyun was from 2007 to 2008.
Reforming the Presidency:
If elected, Han promises to set up a body for constitutional amendments, aiming to share power between the president and the assembly, based on the principle of checks and balances. He also intends to bar political and judicial meddling within their respective sectors.
In South Korea, where executive power is heavily concentrated on the president, Han sees the need for change. A rare presidential term of five years is in store for the new leader, but Han vows to serve only three years, according to AP. This will enable him to complete the constitutional revision and address more pressing issues afterward.
Eyes on Trade Disputes:
Han plans to tackle trade issues with the United States, criticizing President Trump's tariff policies and aiming to manage these matters in the national interest.
Lee's main opposition Democratic Party, however, has taken issue with Han's bid for the presidency, citing his role as a No. 2 official in the Yoon administration during a series of policy failures. They've accused Han of abandoning his responsibilities and running under false pretenses.
[1] Source: Channel NewsAsia[2] Source: Yonhap News[3] Source: The Korea Herald
- Despite not having held elected office, the former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo might attract support as an independent candidate, as contenders within the People Power Party (PPP) have expressed willingness to unite under a single candidate, possibly Han himself.
- The constitutional presidency of South Korea could see a significant shift if Han Duck-soo is elected, with plans to establish a body for constitutional amendments, aiming to share power between the president and the assembly based on checks and balances.
- In response to Han's presidential bid, the main opposition Democratic Party has criticized his association with the Yoon administration during a series of policy failures, accusing him of abandoning his responsibilities and running under false pretenses.
