With just over 30 days before the June 3 early presidential election, Han Duck-soo, the acting president, is reportedly poised to make a decision about running in the election. Observers note that the timing and decision of his candidacy may vary depending on the results of the People Power Party's second presidential primary. If he does run, he is expected to join the election as an independent candidate.
According to political circles on the 26th, Han is said to be weighing a candidacy announcement next week. It is anticipated that he will resign before the public official resignation deadline on the 4th of next month. He is expected to formally announce his candidacy by the end of this month or, at the latest, in early May. The 30th, when a cabinet meeting is scheduled, and the 4th, the day after the People Power Party's 5-3 national convention to elect its presidential candidate, are likely dates.
A member of the People Power Party stated, "If a person who is proactive about unification secures a majority in the second primary and is ultimately selected as the party's candidate, it is likely that they will resign and announce their candidacy after the 30th. If not, they will wait until the 3rd national convention," adding that there remains a possibility that the party's candidate, if not proactive about unification with Han, may choose not to run.
If Han runs, he is likely to enter the presidential race as an independent rather than joining the People Power Party. He is expected to join a "anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent" that includes not only the People Power Party's candidate but also Lee Nak-yon, a former prime minister and candidate from the Reform Party, among others. The aim is to distance from the controversy surrounding the martial law and impeachment while expanding support among the centrist voters.
A People Power Party lawmaker communicating with Han's side remarked, "Now is not the time for joining the People Power Party. It doesn't make sense to propose unification with the party's candidate after the primary is over. If he is nominated as the party's candidate, it will encompass even the non-mainstream factions and change the electoral landscape."