Han’s Bold Resignation: South Korea’s Acting Leader Sets Sights on Presidential Race

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is stepping down as he prepares to run in next month’s presidential election. This decision comes as the main conservative party, the People Power Party, struggles after the recent ousting of President Yoon Suk Yeol.

In a televised announcement, Han said, “I have two paths ahead of me. One is completing the heavy responsibility that I handle now. The other is taking on a heavier responsibility.” He plans to leave his current role to help address the crises facing the country.

At 75, Han has 40 years of experience in public service, holding various high-level positions. He has a Harvard doctorate in economics and has served twice as prime minister, first under President Roh Moo-hyun and currently under Yoon.

Supporters believe that his economic expertise makes him well-suited for leadership, especially given the challenges arising from international trade policies. However, critics argue that his lack of elected office experience and age may hinder his campaign.

The opposition Democratic Party quickly criticized Han’s resignation. Party spokesperson Cho Seung-rae remarked, “Only the people’s severe punishment awaits Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is blind with greed and abandons state affairs.”

Following Han’s resignation, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok will step in as acting president until the new leader is elected on June 3. Meanwhile, opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung faced difficulties when the Supreme Court ordered a review of his election law violation charges, raising questions about his eligibility to run.

This legal challenge illustrates the complex political landscape in South Korea, where election laws can change the game for candidates. Under current laws, anyone facing fines over 1 million won (about $683) for election violations cannot run for five years.

The Democratic Party accused the Supreme Court of trying to manipulate the election process. This tension is just one aspect of the ongoing political turmoil, which also saw the impeachment of President Yoon over a martial law decree.

Han’s clash with the Democratic Party intensified due to his refusal to fill three vacant seats in the Constitutional Court, crucial for making key judicial decisions. His impeachment attempt in December was later overturned, but the political battles continue as Yoon faces legal challenges himself.

The current climate reflects a broader pattern in South Korean politics, where power struggles and legal issues often intersect. As the presidential campaign heats up, how these dynamics play out will be key for both major parties.

For further reading on South Korea’s political landscape, you can check [this report from the Council on Foreign Relations](https://www.cfr.org), which dives deeper into ongoing developments.

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South Korea, Han Duck-soo, Yoon Suk Yeol, South Korea government, Donald Trump, Lee Jae-myung, Conservatism, General news, Global elections, Elections, Cho Seung-rae, Politics, Courts, World news, Impeachment