On May 2, 2025, former acting President and Prime Minister of South Korea, Han Duck-soo, announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential election during a press conference at the National Assembly. The event, themed "A Promise to the People," marked a significant moment in Han's political career as he pledged to "find something that can be done for the future of South Korea." This declaration came after a long tenure in public service, which includes roles such as head of trade, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and ambassador to the United States.
During his announcement, Han emphasized the current political climate in South Korea, noting that critical issues like trade and diplomacy have become battlegrounds for partisan conflict. He outlined three main commitments for his presidential campaign: immediate constitutional reform, addressing trade challenges, and fostering national unity.
Han proposed urgent constitutional reforms with a structured timeline. He aims to draft amendments in the first year of his presidency, complete them by the second year, and conduct National Assembly and presidential elections under the new constitution in the third year before stepping down. He stressed that these reforms should be shaped through thorough discussions within the National Assembly and among the public, focusing on decentralization, checks, and balances.
On the trade front, Han highlighted the urgent need to tackle global tariff challenges, particularly those stemming from the United States. Drawing from his extensive experience in trade negotiations, he expressed confidence in his ability to navigate these complex issues. He committed to collaborating closely with the U.S. government and experts across various sectors to address the pressing trade challenges facing South Korea.
In terms of national unity, Han asserted that South Korea must overcome divisions among regions, ideologies, and generations. He remarked that neither conservatives nor progressives can achieve significant milestones in industrialization or democratization alone. His promise to promote unity and cooperation aims to benefit all South Koreans.
However, Han's campaign launch was not without incident. Later that same day, he visited the May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju to commemorate the victims of the 1980 Gwangju Democracy Movement, which opposed the authoritarian regime of former President Chun Doo-hwan. Upon his arrival, he faced strong opposition from protesters who blocked his path. In a dramatic turn of events, one protester struck Han on the head with a sign, leading to a minor injury.
Security personnel quickly intervened, but the incident highlighted the tense atmosphere surrounding his campaign. After enduring this chaotic scene for about 20 minutes, Han stood silently at the cemetery gate, paying his respects before leaving. This visit was his first campaign stop following his resignation from the roles of acting President and Prime Minister earlier that day.
Han's decision to run for president comes in the wake of significant political upheaval, as South Korea prepares for presidential elections in June 2025, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol for unlawfully ordering martial law. Han is now viewed as a strong contender for the presidency, with a potential rivalry against Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the opposition Democratic Party.
As the political landscape evolves, Han Duck-soo's campaign promises and the incidents surrounding his launch will likely shape the upcoming election. His focus on constitutional reform, trade issues, and national unity resonate with many South Koreans who seek stability and progress in a time of uncertainty.
