"Han Ducksoo Nomination Committee" Launched... "Contacted 50-60 Incumbent Lawmakers"

"Confident in Candidacy... Expect Action on May 4-5"
"In Communication with Han Ducksoo and Senior Political Figures"

The "Presidential National Nomination Committee," which is urging Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo to run in the June 3 presidential election, was launched on April 22. The committee stated that, regarding Han's potential candidacy, they had "contacted between 50 and 60 incumbent lawmakers."

At a press conference held at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul on the same day, the committee said, "We recommend Acting President Han as the people's candidate."

Park Sungseop, co-chair of the committee, said in his opening remarks, "The story is simple. Lee Jaemyung, former leader of the Democratic Party, is not an option," adding, "As an alternative, I, a fellow alumnus of Kyunggi High School, have taken the initiative to support Acting President Han."

Yonhap News Agency

He continued, "Although the country is in chaos due to impeachment under martial law, the one responsible is former leader Lee. He should be tried together in court," he criticized.

Park predicted that Acting President Han would announce his candidacy on either May 4 or 5. He anticipated that Han would enter the presidential race immediately after the party convention on May 3, when the People Power Party's final presidential candidate is selected. After the press conference, Park told reporters, "I am convinced that Acting President Han will run in the election. I am certain there will be some action on May 4 or 5." However, he added, "There is various evidence, but I will make no comment," declining to provide specific details.

When asked whether he had spoken with Acting President Han, he emphasized, "We are in contact via KakaoTalk and phone. He is my friend from both high school and university."

Initially, it was reported that former Democratic Party leader Sohn Hakkyu, former Prime Minister Goh Kun, and former NIS Director Kim Manbok might join the committee, but none of them appeared at the event.

Park said, regarding the possible participation of Sohn and Goh, "No comment. We will hold another press conference on May 5. However, there has definitely been communication." On Sohn, he added, "Once the fog clears and Acting President Han emerges, he will make his position clear."

Lee Taehun, head of the Youth Division, stated, "Acting President Han is not just a politician or administrator. He successfully navigated the enormous challenges of the IMF crisis as the Chief Economic Secretary during the Kim Daejung administration and led the Korea-US FTA negotiations, overcoming waves of a new trade order." Explaining the reasons for supporting Han, he said, "He is a leader who understands the values and virtues of conservatism better than anyone else. Over a long period of public service, he has never engaged in personal corruption or sought financial gain."