Prime Minister’s Surprise Resignation: What’s Next for South Korea’s Political Horizon?

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo shocks South Korea by resigning to pursue the presidency amid the nation’s unsettled political landscape.

Key Takeaways

South Korean acting President Han Duck-soo resigns to potentially run in the presidential election.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok serves as the acting president after Han’s resignation.
Han plans a presidential campaign aligned with the People Power Party against liberal Lee Jae-myung.
Clashes with opposition and a looming snap presidential election on June 3 tighten the political atmosphere.

Han Duck-soo’s Resignation

South Korea’s political landscape was shaken by the announcement from Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. On Thursday, he resigned from his position to potentially run in the upcoming presidential election. This move was triggered by the ousting of President Yoon Suk Yeol and sets the stage for a complex race. Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will step in as acting president, maintaining government stability as Han proceeds with his campaign.

Han pointed to national crises that need navigation, a sentiment reflected in his resignation address. “Finally determined to put down my post to do what I can and what I have to help overcome the crises facing us,” Han declared. His conservative alignment with the People Power Party suggests intense competition against the liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, amidst heated disputes and legal challenges.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo resigned Thursday, a move widely seen as his first step toward declaring his candidacy in the June 3 presidential election.

Read: https://t.co/7hi3QPU7fr pic.twitter.com/qVkTNKNgvE

— The Korea Times (@koreatimescokr) May 1, 2025

Political and Judicial Complexities

Amid the transition, the near-term political landscape becomes even more unpredictable with Han’s resignation. He leaves behind a trail of judicial tussles, including prior impeachment proceedings against him that were later dismissed. Adding to the complexity, South Korea’s Supreme Court overturned an acquittal of Lee Jae-myung on election law violation charges. This development could affect Lee’s eligibility, contributing to a fraught election process.

The possible continuation of legal proceedings against Lee may cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the upcoming election. Critics argue that this legal environment, one which they claim is politically motivated, could unfairly impact voter sentiment and destabilize the democratic process, leading to accusations of judicial interference in political matters.

What’s Next for Han Duck-soo

Han’s extensive career in public service gives him a valid claim to leadership, albeit critics point to his lack of elected experience. His prior roles under conservative and liberal governments fortified his understanding of South Korean governance, paving the way for his current political ambitions. His leadership as a twice-served prime minister and ambassador to the U.S. is spotlighted by supporters who value his governance and economic foresight in facing international economic challenges.

“I have two paths ahead of me. One is completing the heavy responsibility that I handle now. The other is putting down that responsibility and taking a heavier responsibility,” stated Han.

As Han moves toward potentially taking up the mantle of South Korea’s leadership, the pressure from the Democratic Party remains palpable. Criticisms target his resignation as an abandonment of urgent state affairs for personal ambition. With President Yoon facing significant criminal charges, Han’s leadership approach may provide a foundation for navigating the nation through its troubled waters.