South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday, setting the stage for a possible presidential run in the high-stakes by-election scheduled for June 3.

His departure comes amid growing speculation that he will enter the race as a leading conservative candidate following the dramatic ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

In a public address, Han, 75, stated his decision was driven by a desire to shoulder “heavier responsibility” during a time of national uncertainty. “I’ve decided to step down from my post to do what I must to help overcome the crises facing us,” he said, referencing a choice between maintaining his interim leadership role or seeking a broader political mandate.

Han, a seasoned bureaucrat with a doctorate in economics from Harvard, has held senior roles across both conservative and liberal administrations. His past positions include trade minister, finance minister, South Korean ambassador to the United States, and two-time prime minister—first under President Roh Moo-hyun in 2007–2008 and later under ousted President Yoon.

His expected campaign launch, reportedly set for Friday, is anticipated to unify the fractured conservative bloc under the People Power Party (PPP), which has struggled to regroup since Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law on December 3 led to his removal from office.

Han is likely to face liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, who formally clinched the Democratic Party’s nomination on Sunday. The by-election is shaping up to be a defining moment in South Korean politics, determining the ideological direction of the nation amid domestic economic challenges and shifting global trade dynamics.

Supporters highlight Han’s deep expertise in international economics and governance as vital assets for leading the country through a turbulent global environment, especially as issues like U.S.-China trade tensions and protectionist policies under former U.S. President Donald Trump remain unresolved.

However, critics point to Han’s lack of direct electoral experience, his advanced age, and a relatively narrow political base as potential weaknesses in a rapidly evolving political landscape.

With Han’s resignation now official, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok will assume the role of acting president until voters choose a new leader in June.

The outcome of the by-election could profoundly impact not only the trajectory of South Korean domestic policy but also Seoul’s strategic posture in East Asia. (ILKHA)