Democratic Party: "Han Ducksoo's Candidacy Is Yoon Sukyeol Running in Disguise... He Should Be Ashamed"

Criticism of Han's Resignation as "Eulsamuktwi"
"Responsible for the Failure of the Rebellion Regime"

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly criticized former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, who declared his candidacy for the presidential election on May 2, using expressions such as "eat and run." The party argued that Han should not run for president, claiming that he is, in effect, a "co-conspirator in the emergency martial law rebellion" of former President Yoon Sukyeol.

Former Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is greeting ahead of his declaration to run for the 21st presidential election at the National Assembly Communication Office on May 2, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

Chief Spokesperson Cho Seungrae of the Democratic Party’s election committee stated at a briefing at the National Assembly that "Han's declaration of candidacy is a 'second attempt at rebellion' led by the remnants of the rebellion, fronted by an agent of insurrection," and claimed, "It is Yoon Sukyeol running for president again, this time wearing the mask of Han Ducksoo."

He added, "A person accused of destroying constitutional order talks about constitutional reform, someone responsible for economic collapse claims to care about people's livelihoods, and an attempted traitor in national negotiations discusses trade?there has never been such shamelessness." He continued, "It is now clear that the presidential election is a confrontation between the remnants of the rebellion dreaming of a second insurrection and the people who wish to end it."

Kim Minseok, Co-Chairperson of the Central Election Committee, said at a meeting held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, "Han Ducksoo, the 'Eulsamuk-twi,' will be remembered as the epitome of irresponsibility," and added, "Han Ducksoo's candidacy is the same as Yoon Sukyeol's candidacy."

Representative Lee Junghun wrote on his Facebook page, "Han Ducksoo, who lacks basic decency, should be ashamed," and added, "When Yoon Sukyeol was inciting rebellion and when the rebellion needed to be overcome, Han remained silent and stood by. He should have resigned from the beginning, taking responsibility for the administration's failure."

The Democratic Party also called for an investigation, claiming that Han mobilized government officials to prepare for his candidacy before his resignation. Spokesperson Noh Jongmyeon stated in a written briefing, "There are mounting suspicions that government officials from the Prime Minister's Office were mobilized during Han's candidacy process," and argued, "Mobilizing public officials to prepare for an election is a violation of election law and an abuse of authority, so an immediate investigation should be launched."

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Some within the party also raised issues by linking Han's declaration of candidacy to the Supreme Court’s decision the previous day to remand the case of presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung’s violation of the Public Official Election Act. Representative Chae Hyunil wrote on Facebook, "Han Ducksoo’s presidential bid?does this complete the Yoon Sukyeol?Cho Heedae ‘rebellion triangle cartel’?" and described it as "a meticulously planned scenario to prolong the rebellion."

Criticism also continued regarding the possibility of unifying Han's candidacy with the final winner of the People Power Party primary. Kim Kyungsoo, Chief Director of the Central Election Committee, emphasized at the committee meeting, "A party that cannot nurture its own leaders and must rely on mercenaries in every presidential election should question its own reason for existence," and added, "There are growing reasons why the Democratic Party, which possesses competence and capability, should take power."