Han Ducksoo on Democratic Party's Push to Impeach Choi Sangmok: "Is This the Level of Our Politics? Truly Appalling"

"I Feel Misery and Despair About the Political Reality"
"It Does Not Help National Stability or Credibility"
"If Constitutional Amendment Is Achieved, I Will Step Down Even Within Three Years"

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who has declared his candidacy for the 6·3 presidential election, commented on the Democratic Party's move on May 1 to impeach former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Choi Sangmok, saying, "Is this really the level of our country's politics? I am truly disappointed," he said.

After announcing his presidential bid at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 2, Han told reporters, "I truly feel misery and despair about the current state of politics in our country," expressing his sentiments.

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is declaring his candidacy for the 21st presidential election at the National Assembly communication office on May 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Han stated, "I do not understand why the Democratic Party suddenly decided within a few hours that Choi Sangmok, who is acting as the main force in the Korea-U.S. 2+2 tariff negotiations, must be impeached," and added, "This is not an action for the country or the people, and it does nothing to secure national stability or external credibility."

He continued, "If Acting Deputy Prime Minister Choi is indeed impeached (and indicted) now, he will be suspended from duty for at least three months," and explained, "I judged that simply telling him to stay at home and wait for three months would be meaningless."

He added, "Yesterday, I submitted my resignation, and my term ended at midnight," and continued, "So I accepted Acting Deputy Prime Minister Choi's resignation. Rather than being suspended from duty and unable to do anything while staying at home, I thought it would be more meaningful to resign and go out to do something for our country."

Regarding criticism that a prime minister from an impeached government lacks justification to run for president, Han said, "I have apologized many times in the National Assembly for the shock, frustration, and difficulties experienced by the people," but added, "However, the world is changing now."

He explained, "If we do not fix our future through proper institutional reform and leadership, we will have no future," and added, "I thought we must unite our efforts to build a country that grows and is respected and loved in the world, and a country that guarantees a future for the younger generation."

When asked what role he played in preventing former President Yoon Sukyeol from declaring martial law, he answered, "(Before the declaration of martial law) I consistently testified that there were both procedural and substantive flaws in the Cabinet meeting," and added, "As for myself, I believe the judicial process was completed when the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion raised by the National Assembly."

As for the differences between himself and other People Power Party presidential hopefuls, such as former Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Moonsu and former People Power Party leader Han Donghoon, Han said, "I have reliable and stable leadership, and I am someone who will get things done," and added, "I will cooperate and seek integration with anyone who supports constitutional amendment."

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is entering the press conference room at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 2nd to announce his candidacy for the 21st presidential election. 2025.5.2 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Regarding his prioritization of constitutional amendment in his declaration of candidacy, he explained, "I have concluded that unless we establish a fundamental system in which the executive and legislative branches can cooperate without conflict, there is no future or hope for our country."

Han stated, "If I become president, I will immediately establish an organization within the presidential office to support constitutional amendment efforts, complete the amendment within three years, and ensure that the National Assembly and presidential elections are held together three years later," and pointed out, "Many politicians have said this before, but no one has implemented it. That is because their thinking changes once they come to power."

He emphasized, "I will not serve as president for more than three years," and added, "If the constitutional amendment is achieved within three years, I will gladly step down even before then so that a new generation can lead the future."

Han also said that if he becomes president, he will actively communicate with the media, labor unions, and civic groups.

He said, "I will communicate with the media as much as possible. I plan to hold press conferences at least once every two weeks," and added, "I also intend to meet with labor unions, businesses, and civic groups once every two weeks. It is important to communicate actively even while handling public affairs."