Seoul: Acting President Han Duck-soo has emerged as a potential game changer for the June election as the conservative camp struggles to rally behind a clear front-runner, drawing mixed responses from presidential hopefuls and criticism from the opposition. Han's sudden rise in recent public polls comes as the People Power Party (PPP) remains in disarray, with its potential candidates stuck with single-digit approval ratings ahead of the June 3 election. The election was triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster over his failed martial law decree.
According to Yonhap News Agency, with liberal contender Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party (DP) currently leading in the polls by a wide margin, Han's decadeslong public service career and perceived moderate image have propelled him into the spotlight as a viable alternative. The 75-year-old has served as prime minister under both liberal and conservative governments and as South Korea's ambassador to the United States.
When asked about his candidacy after his budget speech at the National Assembly on Thursday, Han declined to comment. If Han decides to run, he must resign from his current post by May 4. Since Han is not currently affiliated with any party, any presidential bid would require him to either run as an independent or pursue a complex unification process with the PPP, which plans to confirm a standard-bearer on May 3.
The four remaining candidates vying for the PPP's nomination have shown mixed reactions to Han's potential run. Former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo has expressed support for forming a broad coalition around Han, should he enter the race. Former PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said he and Han share a common goal, particularly in addressing the national challenges following recent political upheavals, signaling a willingness to collaborate with Han. "I will achieve an overwhelming victory in the primary and join all other forces to win the presidential election," former party leader Han wrote on Facebook.
Former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, who had previously opposed Han's potential run, has since softened his stance, leaving the door open for negotiations to form a "big tent" conservative coalition to challenge DP's Lee, if Hong secures the PPP nomination. In contrast, PPP lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo has urged Han not to run, pointing out Han's liability due to having served as the only prime minister under Yoon. "His candidacy has neither justification nor practical benefit," Ahn wrote on Facebook, adding "It is no different from former President Yoon Seok Yeol running again, and it will never stop Lee Jae-myung."
Across the aisle, the DP has voiced strong opposition to Han's possible candidacy, criticizing Han for potentially leveraging his interim leadership role as a springboard for a presidential bid. DP floor leader Park Chan-dae warned that Han running could be seen as a "second coup" by loyalists of the ousted Yoon, urging him to focus on the upcoming trade talks with the United States and on preparing a fair election. "He will have to fairly manage the presidential election, which is only 40 days away, and stabilize the situation. It will be the only way to preserve his honor after serving 55 years in public service," Park said.