South Korea's Unprecedented Party Shakeup: Kim Moon-soo Ousted, Han Duck-soo Takes Charge Instead
- AP, SEOUL
South Korean party replaces its chosen candidate
The conservative People Power Party (PPP) has stirred up a political storm in South Korea by axing Kim Moon-soo and replacing him with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as their presidential candidate for the June 3 election, just a week after Kim's nomination.
Yesterday's shocking move by the PPP's leadership, which Kim denounced as a "sneaky political coup," has intensified the party's internal turmoil following the ouster of former president Yoon Suk-yeol, who was taken down over his disastrous attempt to impose martial law in December 2024.
Kim, a hardline conservative, had recently clinched the party's nomination after garnering 56.3% of the primary vote, defeating a reformist rival critical of Yoon's martial law. However, the party leadership, heavily populated by Yoon loyalists, had been putting pressure on Kim to withdraw and back Han, who they believe offers a stronger chance against Lee Jae-myung, Democratic Party's frontrunner.
Han assumed the role of acting president following Yoon's impeachment by the legislature in December 2024 and officially resigned from office on May 2, 2025, to run for the presidency. He argued that his vast career in public service prepares him to lead the country amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty and trade challenges exacerbated by policies of US President Donald Trump.
After failed negotiations between Han and Kim to unite their candidacies, the PPP's emergency committee terminated Kim's nomination in the wee hours of yesterday, and officially registered Han as a party member and the PPP's new presidential candidate. The replacement still needs confirmation through an all-party vote and approval by the party's national committee today - the deadline for candidates to register with election authorities.
In a statement issued through the party, Han expressed optimism, stating, "If we join forces, we can definitely triumph." Addressing reporters, Kim lamented "Democracy in our party is dead" and threatened to take unspecified legal and political actions. However, it remains uncertain whether any practical means exist for Kim to restore his candidacy without the party's cooperation.
Kim had opposed the impeachment of Yoon, though he disagreed with Yoon's decision to impose martial law. Kim gained support amidst hardline PPP supporters after defying a Dec. 11 demand by an opposition lawmaker that all Cabinet members stand and bow in a gesture of apology for Yoon's martial law enactment at the National Assembly.
Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party's frontrunner, and Han and Kim have been trailing behind in recent opinion polls. Lee, known for his anti-establishment image, is perceived as a polarizing figure, as critics question his ability to tackle South Korea's entrenched inequality and corruption, despite his efforts to address them. Lee is currently facing five trials for various criminal charges. If elected, those trials would likely cease due to special presidential immunity[1].
The election is set in the context of polarized domestic politics and significant socio-economic challenges, such as a rapidly aging population and economic growth concerns[2]. The upcoming president will need to address these issues and potentially reform the political system to reduce polarization[2].
[1] South Korea challenges electoral law in key presidential election. (2025, May 18). Associated Press. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/europe-business-politics-associated-press-asia-politics-elections-south-korea-8f3145a6215575b37f18c69a64ec431f
[2] South Korea's Next President: Who Will Lead a Nation Facing Ageing Population and Economic Challenges? (2024, November 3). New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/world/asia/south-korea-election-candidates.html
[3] South Korea Sets June 3 Election Date Amid Ongoing Political Crisis. (2025, March 22). ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/south-korea-sets-june-election-amid-ongoing-political-crisis-86801780
- The People Power Party (PPP) replaced Kim Moon-soo, their initially nominated presidential candidate, with former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, a move criticized by Kim as a "sneaky political coup."
- Yesterday, the PPP's emergency committee terminated Kim's nomination and registered Han as their new presidential candidate, amidst growing internal turmoil following the ouster of former president Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024.
- In the midst of the unfolding political crisis and upcoming election on June 3, Han argued that his vast career in public service prepares him to lead the country amidst growing geopolitical uncertainty and trade challenges.
- The ongoing party shakeup in South Korea, marked by the ouster of Yoon and the replacement of Kim, is happening against the backdrop of a polarized domestic politics and significant socio-economic challenges, such as a rapidly aging population and economic growth concerns.
- Following his replacement, Han expressed optimism, stating, "If we join forces, we can definitely triumph," while Kim, in response, lamented "Democracy in our party is dead" and threatened to take unspecified legal and political actions.
