Seoul: Eleven candidates have registered to compete in the conservative People Power Party's (PPP) primary for the upcoming June 3 presidential election, the party announced as the two-day registration period came to a close.
According to Yonhap News Agency, notable contenders in the PPP primary include former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, former PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon, as well as PPP lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won. Other significant entrants are former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and North Gyeongsang Governor Lee Cheol-woo.
Interestingly, Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo did not register for the primary, despite ongoing speculation about his possible candidacy. This decision was previously confirmed by the party's floor leader.
The PPP's election committee is set to review all applications and will announce the list of candidates who will advance to the first round of the primary on Wednesday. The party aims to finalize its nominee by May 3.
In a parallel development, three candidates have registered for the liberal Democratic Party's (DP) primary during its one-day registration on Tuesday. The DP announced that the contenders include former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo, and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The Democratic Party plans to finalize its presidential nominee on April 27.