Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Han Duck-soo resigns ahead of expected presidential bid
Acting President Han Duck-soo announces his resignation at the Government Complex Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap
By Anna J. Park
Han Duck-soo says he will take 'bigger responsibility'
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo resigned Thursday, a move widely seen as his first step toward declaring his candidacy in the June 3 presidential election.
Han formally tendered his resignation during a public address, in which he vowed to take on a "bigger responsibility" — a phrase that hints at his intention to run for president, though he did not explicitly mention it.
"Fellow citizens, I have spent much time reflecting on what path would allow me to fulfill my responsibilities," he said in the address. "Before me lie two paths: One is to continue fulfilling the important duties I currently hold, and the other is to step down from this role and take on an even greater responsibility. I have ultimately decided to resign from my position in order to do what I can and must do to help overcome the crises we face."
He is expected to officially declare his candidacy at the National Assembly on Friday morning when he plans to outline the rationale behind his bid. His campaign is expected to focus on bridging political divides and addressing urgent economic and security challenges.
Speculation is growing that Han may also pledge constitutional reform, including a proposal to shorten the presidential term.
Though considered a strong contender, Han has so far been tight-lipped on his political intentions, declining to confirm his candidacy or participate in the conservative People Power Party (PPP) primary. Nevertheless, his aides had already set up a campaign office in Yeouido, the nation’s political and financial center.
Han is expected to enter the race as an independent while exploring a potential single candidacy with the PPP candidate to form a broader alliance against Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), the race's front-runner.
As part of this strategy, he is said to be reaching out to political figures from across the spectrum. It was reported that Han proposed meetings with prominent former DPK figures, including Lee Nak-yon, former prime minister during the Moon Jae-in administration.
The DPK and other minor parties have denounced Han's potential candidacy, saying he was partially responsible for former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration in December. They argue it would be improper for him to join an election being held because of the former president's impeachment.
Earlier in the day, as his final official duty as the acting president, Han chaired a meeting on national security with ministers of relevant government organizations. At the meeting, he emphasized the need for calm, measured responses against rising global tensions, including North Korea's growing aggressions in partnership with Russia, as well as preparation against evolving international dynamics and negotiations with the United States.