SEOUL, April 15 (Yonhap) -- The race for South Korea's upcoming presidential election is heating up as eleven candidates have officially registered to compete in the conservative People Power Party's (PPP) primary. The registration period concluded on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, setting the stage for a competitive election cycle ahead of the June 3 presidential election.
Among the notable contenders in the PPP are former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, former PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon, and current PPP lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won. Also entering the race are former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheol-woo. Their diverse backgrounds and political experiences suggest a dynamic primary battle.
However, the acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has opted not to register for the primary, a decision confirmed by the party's floor leader, Kwon Seong-dong. Kwon stated, "Speculation about his potential candidacy is unhelpful not only to the promotion of the primary but also to the important responsibilities he must carry out as acting president." This statement reflects the party's intention to focus on the primary without distractions from internal speculations.
The PPP's election committee is set to review the applications and will announce the list of candidates advancing to the first round of the primary on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The party aims to finalize its nominee by May 3, 2025, as it gears up to challenge the Democratic Party's candidate in the presidential election.
Meanwhile, the liberal Democratic Party (DP) has also seen movement in its primary race. On the same day, three candidates registered for the DP's primary: former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, and current Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The DP plans to finalize its presidential nominee by April 27, 2025, as it prepares to face the PPP in what promises to be a pivotal election.
As the political landscape shifts, Kwon Seong-dong emphasized the importance of focusing on the primary and the challenges ahead. He remarked, "We must clearly understand the nature of this primary. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced legal judgment through impeachment. Now it is time for Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate and the main figure behind the collapse of governance, to face judgment from the people through the election.”
This statement underscores the PPP's strategy of framing the election as a referendum on the previous administration, particularly targeting Lee Jae-myung and the Democratic Party's governance record.
As the candidates prepare for the upcoming primaries, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The PPP's internal dynamics, particularly the influence of pro-Yoon factions and their push for Han Duck-soo's candidacy, could play a significant role in shaping the party's strategy moving forward. Kwon's comments suggest an effort to unify the party around a common mission despite internal differences.
The political stakes are high as South Korea approaches the election, with both major parties seeking to assert their positions and appeal to voters. The PPP's focus on the past administration's failures and the DP's response will likely dominate the discourse in the coming weeks.
With the primary dates approaching, both parties are expected to ramp up their campaigns and engage with voters across the country. The outcome of these primaries will not only determine the candidates for the presidential election but also set the tone for the political landscape in South Korea for the foreseeable future.
As the candidates prepare for their respective primaries, the South Korean electorate is poised to witness a significant political contest that could reshape the nation's future. The developments within both the PPP and the DP will be closely watched as they unfold, leading up to the crucial election day.
