South Korea's interim leader quits 33 days ahead of Presidential Election; What's next for gov't, politics?

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stepped down from his position this afternoon.

He is likely to make his presidential bid official in the near future.

Our correspondent Oh Soo-young explains its implications.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo resigned on Thursday, in a bid to take on a "greater responsibility," just weeks before the June 3rd Presidential Election.

In a televised address to the nation, Han bowed out of his position, saying made the "final decision to resign."

"I have just left my position as Acting President and Prime Minister."

Reflecting on South Korea's rapid economic development, and five decades of his public service, the former official said the country now stands at the crossroads of domestic, economic, and geopolitical complexities.

Will our economy, now ranked among the world's top ten, grow stronger and join the G7? Or will it stall and fall behind? Will Korean politics move toward cooperation or fall deeper into extremism? We are grappling with these two questions right now.

Between the choices of continuing his immediate duties, or taking on a greater responsibility, Han said he decided to step down from his current role.

Following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, Han Duck-soo has been the nation's interim leader.

While he was impeached himself by the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court restored him to his duties just 38 days ago.

"Han's departure marks the third change of acting president since December, leaving the country's governance in the hands of Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok once again, until a new South Korean leader is elected."

Han's announcement comes just three days before the legal deadline for public officials to quit if they plan to run for president.

He is expected to declare his candidacy on Friday as an independent, and launch his campaign on Saturday.

For weeks, the 75-year-old bureaucrat has reportedly been urged by moderate conservatives in the People Power Party to enter the race.

As the PPP's reputation suffers after former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and was removed from office, Han is believed to be the most viable counterweight to the Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads the polls.

If Han Duck-soo joins the race, he's expected to form a coalition with the PPP's final candidate, and work to unite other anti-Lee Jae-myung figures, including former Prime Minister and DP defector Lee Nak-yon and Reform Party leader Lee Jun-seok.

Those in favour of Han cite his experience of serving as Prime Minister under both liberal and conservative governments, as well as finance minister and Ambassador to the U.S.

Critics say Han was part of the impeached Yoon administration, and that he should focus on preparing a smooth election not running in it.

Reacting to his resignation, the DP fiercely criticised Han, deeming his potential run for president a "vile ambition," and threatening to scrutinize him as though ripping off every layer of an onion.

Ahead of the PPP's final primary run-off, candidate Kim Moon-soo said he'd discuss a union with Han if he runs.

Candidate Han Dong-hoon, meanwhile, said both Kim and the former Acting President are remarkable people, but unable to defeat Lee Jae-myung.

The PPP's run-off takes place this Saturday, leaving room for maneuvering before candidate registrations for the race close on May 11th.

Oh Soo-young, Arirang News.