Han Duck-soo, former prime minister, announced on the 2nd that he will run in the next presidential election. Earlier, he resigned from the prime minister position after a public address at the Seoul Government Complex the day before.
On the morning of the same day at 10 a.m., Han held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication room titled "Promises to the People" and declared his candidacy by saying, “I have made up my mind to find what I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea that I love, for all of us.”
Regarding his reasons for running, Han noted, “I have lived my life at the forefront of economic development as a proud public servant of the Republic of Korea,” and stated, “I could not possibly accept the reality of turning even trade diplomacy, which is at the forefront of national interest, into a subject of political strife with my conscience and common sense.”
He then promised three things: ▲immediate constitutional amendment ▲resolution of trade issues ▲national unity and crisis management.
Han stated, “In the first year of my presidency, I will prepare a constitutional amendment proposal, complete the amendment in the second year, and hold simultaneous legislative and presidential elections in the third year, after which I will immediately resign from my position.” This means he would conduct the presidential and legislative elections in his third year if he becomes president and resign afterward.
He mentioned that the specific contents of the constitutional amendment would be decided through vigorous discussions in the National Assembly and among the people. However, he stated that he would only suggest key directions such as checks and balances, specifically decentralization.
Han said, “It is important to divide power between the president and the National Assembly in a manner that ensures checks and balances, to eliminate the politicization of the judiciary and the judicialization of politics, and to institutionalize cooperation so that our politics and government genuinely contribute to the national interest and the welfare of the people, which I believe constitutes a proper constitutional amendment.”
He also promised to resolve trade issues.
Han remarked, “The tariff storm originating from the United States is the most pressing trade issue for every country in the world. The global trade order is being reshaped,” and he added, “I discussed this with U.S. President Trump and decided to actively seek trade solutions based on the solid foundation of the Korea-U.S. alliance.”
He emphasized his experience, having served as the deputy prime minister for economic affairs, prime minister, and ambassador to the U.S., stating, “I am the person who has done this work the longest and the one most capable of doing it well.”
In addition, Han pointed out, “Unity is synonymous with coexistence,” and noted, “It is regrettable that the South and North are divided; must we continue to be divided by left and right, east and west, and now between men and women, and between middle-aged and young generations?”
He added, “Nothing that we have achieved belongs to any one faction; it is the achievement of all our people who have lived diligently day by day, and the fruits must return to everyone.”
Han emphasized, “I will dedicate all my efforts to ensuring that national unity and crisis management are realized in all sectors of society.”
Additionally, following the press conference, Han responded to reporters' inquiries about why he considers the constitutional amendment important by saying, “Without achieving domestic stability, unity, harmony, and cooperation, there is no future for our country,” and added, “I believe this problem is impossible under the current constitutional system.”
He stated, “When the president and the National Assembly clash, the mechanisms to mediate are hardly operational,” and noted, “Our constitutional system has inherent fundamental flaws. I have arrived at the conclusion that unless we change this fundamental system, there is no future or hope for our country.”