Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said Wednesday he was running for the presidency because of his belief that without fundamental political reform via a constitutional amendment, South Korea could "collapse."
Speaking at the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club, Han said that his decision to run for president stemmed from concerns that under the current political system, Korea's economy and society cannot make meaningful progress.
He cited the repeated impeachment of Cabinet members, including himself, by the National Assembly as evidence of dysfunction, especially amid intensifying political polarization and global uncertainty — including North Korea’s advancing nuclear arsenal and complex tariff negotiations with the US.
Han argued that the current Constitution, last amended in 1987, lacks effective mechanisms to resolve political conflicts between the president and the National Assembly.
Han warned that without constitutional reform that would ensure cooperation and unity, in his view, Korea will struggle to respond to serious challenges both at home and abroad — including shifting trade dynamics, the collapse of the international order and rapidly evolving geopolitical risks.
Asked why he had not joined the People Power Party’s primary, Han said it was due to the gravity of national affairs at the time.
“I was deeply concerned about trade pressure and global geopolitical shifts. With no clear direction on tariff negotiations under President Trump, stepping down from my acting role and entering politics then would have been extremely difficult,” he said.
“However, since my April 8 meeting with President Trump and the formation of a task force for negotiation, I believe the groundwork has been laid for meaningful talks.”
On the apparent contradiction of seeking unity with a party that defended former President Yoon Suk Yeol — whose December 2024 martial law declaration brought a near-paralysis of state affairs — Han said he and the PPP at least agree on the need for constitutional reform.
“We share the understanding that Korea faces enormous internal and economic challenges and that without fundamental constitutional change, we cannot move forward. I believe the People Power Party also recognizes this and is taking a clear stance,” he said.
"I am confident that the two countries, Korea and the United States, will be able to find a mutually beneficial solution," said Han.
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