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Key Points

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has officially entered the presidential race with a groundbreaking proposal. His unique campaign centers on a three-year presidential term dedicated to comprehensive constitutional reforms. Han brings extensive political and diplomatic experience, having served under both liberal and conservative administrations. His platform focuses on power-sharing, trade resolution, and national unity, presenting a distinctive alternative in the upcoming election.

Key Points: Han Duck-soo Launches Bold 3-Year Presidential Reform Bid

  • Han pledges three-year presidential term with constitutional reforms
  • Aims to redistribute power between president and assembly
  • Promises to resolve trade challenges with diplomatic expertise
  • Emphasizes national unity and inclusive governance
2 min read

South Korea: Ex-PM Han declares presidential bid, pledges constitutional reforms

Ex-PM Han Duck-soo announces presidential campaign with radical constitutional amendment plan, promising shorter term and power redistribution

"I decided to find something I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea I love - Han Duck-soo"

Seoul, May 2

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo declared his bid for President on Friday, vowing to cut short his term to three years in order to amend the Constitution and use his economic expertise to tackle the crisis in trade.

Han's announcement at the National Assembly came one month before voters head to the polls on June 3 to pick a successor to impeached former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Even before entering the race, Han was a favourite among conservatives to challenge current frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the liberal Democratic Party.

Until his resignation Thursday, Han served as Acting President and Prime Minister in the months following Yoon's short-lived imposition of martial law in December.

"I decided to find something I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea I love and for all of us," he said in a press conference at the Assembly. "I will do my utmost to be chosen by our people through the upcoming presidential election."

Han, who was Prime Minister under both liberal and conservative presidents and also served as the South Korean Ambassador to the United States, said he will make three promises to the people, including an immediate amendment to the Constitution.

The aim will be to craft an amendment proposal in his first year in office, finalise the amendment in the second year, hold general and presidential elections in the third year in line with the new Constitution, and then immediately step down.

The key goal in amending the Constitution, he said, will be "for the President and the National Assembly to share power amid checks and balances, eliminating the juridification of politics and the politicisation of the judiciary, and sincerely contributing to the national interest and public welfare through the institutionalisation of cooperative governance and effective administration."

The Constitution currently allows presidents to serve a single, five-year term, but under Han's proposal, he would only serve three years.

Han also pledged to resolve current trade issues triggered in part by Washington's new tariff policy by drawing on his experience leading multiple trade negotiations to success, Yonhap news agency reported.

He further promised to work for national unity and inclusion of the socially weak and marginalised.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Interesting move by Han to propose constitutional reforms! As Indians, we know how difficult it is to change constitutions - just look at our own debates around Article 370. Hope South Korea finds stability after their political turmoil. Their economic policies often inspire our Make in India initiative 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
South Korea's political drama seems never-ending! First impeachment, now this. While their situation is different, it reminds me how important stable leadership is for economic growth. India-South Korea trade relations are strong - hope this doesn't affect our tech imports and manufacturing partnerships 🤞
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Arjun S.
Han's experience with US relations could be good for India too. With our own trade negotiations ongoing with America, maybe we can learn from how South Korea handles their trade issues. Their K-pop diplomacy works better than their political diplomacy though! 😄
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Sunita R.
Promising constitutional reform is easy, delivering is hard. We've seen this in India many times. Hope South Koreans carefully examine whether these changes will truly benefit them or just create more political instability. Their democracy is young compared to ours - they must protect it carefully.
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Vikram J.
As someone who works in tech, I'm more concerned about how this affects Samsung and Hyundai investments in India. Political uncertainty in Korea could delay important projects here. Their companies employ thousands of Indians - hope the new leadership keeps economic ties strong with Modi government.
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Neha P.
Interesting to see a leader voluntarily proposing to shorten their term! In our politics, leaders usually want to extend their time in office. Respect for Han's approach, though I wonder if it's practical. Also curious - will this affect their stance on North Korea? That impacts regional stability which matters to India too.

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