Former Prime Minister Han Bows Out, Paving the Way for Kim Moon-soo to Lead Conservative Opposition Against Liberal Frontrunner Lee Jae-myung
Seoul, South Korea – Etawah Today International Desk
In a dramatic political development ahead of South Korea’s June 3 snap presidential election, the conservative People Power Party (PPP) has confirmed Kim Moon-soo as its official candidate, following the withdrawal of Han Duck-soo, the former prime minister and acting president.
The party had initially attempted to replace Kim, a long-standing conservative figure and former labor minister, with Han in a bid to counter low poll numbers and internal divisions. However, a late-night vote among party members narrowly rejected the switch, reinstating Kim’s original nomination.
Party spokesperson Shin Dong-wook confirmed the outcome:
“While we cannot disclose the figures, the vote on switching the candidate was rejected by a narrow margin.”
Kim Moon-soo, who had secured 56.3% of the vote in the PPP’s primary, denounced the replacement effort as an “overnight political coup.” Upon reinstatement, he stated,
“Now everything will return to its rightful place.”
Meanwhile, Han Duck-soo, whose late entry had intensified internal rifts within the PPP, officially withdrew from the race on Sunday.
“I humbly accept everything,” Han said, expressing hope that Kim would succeed in the election.
The presidential election was called after the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, and it now positions Kim Moon-soo against Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, a liberal who continues to lead public opinion polls.
Kim, aged 73, brings a unique trajectory to the race. Once a leftist labor activist, he transitioned into conservative politics in the 1990s, serving three terms in the National Assembly and eight years as governor of Gyeonggi province.
Although the PPP’s internal discord has shaken voter confidence, the resolution of the candidacy dispute now allows the party to refocus on the election campaign. With the stakes high and time short, all eyes are on whether Kim can unify the party base and challenge Lee’s frontrunner status.
