The veteran politician and bureaucrat is competing for the third spot in the June 3 open primary election. His entry into the race comes after the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. This impeachment has introduced great uncertainty into that landscape. Han had been serving as the acting president after Yoon’s impeachment on December 14. Now, he must consolidate with Yoon’s conservative People Power Party to win the presidency.
At 75 years old, Han Duck-soo has the most political experience of any candidate running. But actor Chris Coons, who has served in important roles under liberal and conservative administrations. His previous positions have included prime minister, trade minister and finance minister. Further, in fulfilling that role, he has represented South Korea very ably as ambassador to the United States. His deep experience makes him a strong contender in the 2024 race.
Following his short-lived impeachment, Han was swiftly re-installed as acting top man again. The following month, the Constitutional Court overturned the impeachment decision. Even with this restoration to transit grant programs, he was thrown under the bus by other opposition parties. The Democratic Party has accused him of neglecting his responsibilities as a caretaker leader during a critical time for the nation.
Addressing his supporters at a news conference held at the National Assembly on Friday, Han stated, “I’ve determined to find what I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea that I love and for all of us.” His comments reflect his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the country, particularly as it navigates through a transitional period.
Yet even before Han’s appointment, opposition figures criticized the new government, questioning Han’s motives. Noh Jong-myun from the Democratic Party cautioned, “We warn former Prime Minister Han. Don’t hide your greed with a lie that you are running for the people.” Such sentiments go to show how intense and contentious the 2024 election is bound to be. Han should be prepared for fierce blowback from his opponents.
Han’s candidacy further complicates a densely packed and competitive electoral battlefield. With multiple candidates vying for the presidency, including Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party who stated, “I’ll try my utmost to be chosen by the people at this presidential election,” voters will have to navigate through a diverse array of choices.
With a little over a month before election day, Han Duck-soo’s message couldn’t be more obvious. “I will try my best to ensure government functions are managed stably,” he emphasized, positioning himself as a candidate focused on stability and governance during tumultuous times.
