South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo Resigns, Likely to Contest June Election

Seoul, May 1, 2025 — South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday, fueling widespread speculation that he plans to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for next month.

The resignation comes amid growing reports that Han will officially enter the race to succeed the late President Yoon Suk-yeol, whose unexpected passing earlier this year triggered the need for a snap election.

Han, who had been serving as Prime Minister before stepping in as acting President, did not confirm his candidacy during the announcement, but political observers believe his move clears the path for a formal campaign launch in the coming days.

Han Duck-soo, 75, is a seasoned politician and bureaucrat, having previously served as Prime Minister under two administrations, as well as ambassador to the U.S.