Former South Korean Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo officially declared his presidential bid on Friday, entering a turbulent race sparked by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol.

The upcoming snap election, set for June 3, follows months of political instability triggered by Yoon's controversial declaration of martial law in December, when Yoon accused the opposition of dominating the parliament, sympathizing with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and crippling the administration through anti-state acts. 

Han, appointed prime minister by Yoon Suk-yeol, became interim leader after Yoon’s December impeachment. He was briefly impeached himself by the Democratic Party for allegedly obstructing Yoon’s removal, but was reinstated in March by the Constitutional Court. Han is now expected to join the PPP in a bid against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung.

The political crisis deepened on Thursday when Han and Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok both resigned, and a retrial was ordered. Choi, who had been tapped to replace Han as acting president, faced impeachment proceedings tied to the martial law incident. The process was halted following his resignation.

Han stepped down as acting president and prime minister, hinting at a presidential run and saying he was ready to "take on a greater responsibility."

"For the future of the Republic of Korea, a country I deeply love, and for all of us, I have decided to do what I can," Han said in a televised speech on Friday.

"I will do my utmost to be chosen by our people in this presidential election."

Conservative-Liberal showdown looms in June 3 vote

A seasoned public servant, Han has held a wide range of top-level roles across both conservative and liberal administrations, including stints as finance minister, trade minister, and ambassador to the US.

Notably, Han has twice served as prime minister, first under the late president Roh Moo-hyun and most recently under Yoon. As a candidate, he is positioning himself as an experienced leader capable of steering South Korea out of crisis.

“I have dedicated my life to serving on the front lines of economic development as a proud public servant of the Republic of Korea,” Han stated. He pledged to address ongoing trade disputes, including Washington’s tariffs, and promised constitutional reform.

The presidential race has been further complicated by a court decision ordering a retrial for Lee Jae-myung. The ruling overturned a prior acquittal related to alleged false statements made during a previous campaign, casting uncertainty over his candidacy just weeks ahead of the vote.

The legal and political drama has heightened public attention on the June 3 election, which will determine who takes over at a critical juncture for the nation’s democracy.

Han has vowed to pursue constitutional changes, particularly regarding South Korea’s single five-year presidential term. Critics have long argued that the system concentrates excessive power in one individual, creating weak institutional checks and enabling executive overreach.

Reforming the presidency, Han believes, is essential to restoring public trust and ensuring a more balanced governance model. His pledge to amend the Constitution marks a central pillar of his presidential bid.