Han's Deliberation Prolongs... People Power Party Engages in Unification Strategy Moves

If a Meeting with Trump Jr. Is Arranged
The Timing of the Candidacy Announcement Could Be Delayed to Early Next Month

Acting Prime Minister Han Ducksoo holding the National Policy Ministerial Meeting Yonhap News

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo did not schedule any public events on April 28, instead taking time for reflection. As speculation grows that his presidential candidacy announcement is imminent, there are observations that he may be making final adjustments to the timing of his declaration.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Han maintained silence despite calls from both inside and outside the political sphere for him to run, and did not carry out any official duties on this day. A senior official at the Prime Minister's Office stated, "He is thoroughly preparing for tomorrow's Cabinet meeting," and added, "He has not made any remarks regarding a presidential bid to those around him."

Some had expected that Han would resign from public office on April 30, at the end of this month, and then proceed to announce his candidacy. However, as it became known that Han is scheduled to meet with U.S. Secretary of the Navy John Phelan on this day, there are now projections that the timing may be delayed. It appears that after exercising the right to request reconsideration (veto) of the Constitutional Court Act amendment?which would prevent the acting president from nominating a Constitutional Court justice on behalf of the president?at the Cabinet meeting on April 29, Han will coordinate the appropriate timing for his candidacy announcement.

If a meeting is arranged this week with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of U.S. President Donald Trump, who is visiting Korea for a two-day, one-night schedule, the timing of Han's candidacy announcement could be pushed to early next month. One scenario is that Han will make his final decision after observing the outcome of the People Power Party primary, which will determine the final candidate on May 3. In particular, the resignation submitted by Son Youngtaek, chief secretary of the Prime Minister's Office and a close aide to Han, on this day is fueling analysis that Han's presidential bid is imminent.

An official from the Prime Minister's Office said, "The issue Han is most focused on is the Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations with the Trump administration," and added, "We have not yet been informed about the timing of the meeting with Donald Trump Jr." There is also speculation that Han may make a surprise proposal to hold a constitutional referendum and the presidential and local elections simultaneously in June next year.

Pose striking People Power Party presidential primary candidates Photo by Yonhap News

The People Power Party presidential primary candidates have already begun strategic maneuvering, such as proposing unification plans, ahead of the second cutoff. Among the four candidates, former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsoo and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joonpyo are the most proactive. In particular, Hong proposed, "Let's hold two debates for unification and then conduct a 'one-shot national primary.'"

Representative Ahn Cheolsoo and former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon have also expressed positive views on unification, but remain cautious about the method. Han told reporters the previous day, "It's time to focus on the primary," and added, "Now is not the time to discuss the method of unification." Ahn also commented, "If Han Ducksoo runs alone, joining the party would be a better path."