South Korea's Acting Leader Han Duck-soo Resigns to Run for Presidency
Han Duck-soo announces presidential bid, promising reforms to lessen presidential power amidst political unrest and a tight election race.
Overview
South Korea's Acting President Han Duck-soo has resigned to run in the June 3 presidential election, pledging reforms to diminish the presidency’s power and stabilize domestic politics. Han's candidacy intensifies the competition among conservatives, facing off against the Democratic Party's Lee Jae-myung, whose campaign faces legal challenges. He aims to establish checks and balances between branches of government and plans to finish constitutional amendments in a three-year term, if elected. Meanwhile, tensions rise with the Democratic Party accusing Han of abandoning his caretaker duties as acting leader.
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Analysis
- Han Duck-soo has announced his candidacy for the presidency in the upcoming June election, promising to lessen the powers of the presidency and work towards political stability in South Korea.
- He has significant experience in various high-level government roles, including as prime minister under both conservative and liberal administrations, giving him a nuanced understanding of South Korea's political landscape.
- The June election comes in a politically tumultuous time as the leading liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung, faces potential legal disqualification.
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Associated Press·2M·FAQ
Han Duck-soo resigned to take on 'heavier responsibility' and potentially run in the presidential election, amid speculation he would campaign after weeks of political turbulence in South Korea.
Han Duck-soo promises to amend the Constitution to decentralize power and establish a mechanism for better cooperation between government branches. He vows to step down in the third year if his reform succeeds.
Education Minister Lee Ju-ho succeeds Han Duck-soo as acting president after Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok also resigned.
Lee Jae-myung faces a court ruling challenge and legal issues that have impacted his candidacy as the opposition front-runner.
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