Han Deoksoo: "Korean Politics Is Closer to Violence... The Republic of Korea May Collapse"

Attending the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club Meeting
"Politics, the Source of Crisis... Constitutional Amendment Needed"

Han Deoksoo, former Prime Minister and independent presidential candidate, said on May 7, "I decided to run because I felt a sense of crisis that if politics does not fundamentally change, the Republic of Korea, which our people have worked so hard to build, may collapse as it is."

Han made these remarks at a press conference hosted by the Seoul Foreign Correspondents' Club at the Korea Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, in the afternoon, stating, "Korean politics today is closer to violence than to politics."

Independent presidential candidate Han Deoksoo is delivering the keynote speech at the Kwanhun Debate held on the 6th at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

Han pointed out, "It is almost unprecedented in the world for 31 people, including three prime ministers, to be impeached consecutively over three years," and added, "Professor Steven Levitsky of Harvard University wrote that 'while visible dictatorships have disappeared in many places around the world, now extreme partisan polarization is threatening democracy.' This is such a sharp observation that it feels as if he was describing our very situation."

Regarding the current political situation, he said, "People will use any means necessary to win," and argued, "In Korean society, politics is no longer the center for overcoming crises, but rather the source of crises."

Han stressed, "I believe that the economy and society of the Republic of Korea should no longer be held back by politics," and added, "If we amend the Constitution and change politics,

the economy will also revive. I will make sure to successfully amend the Constitution and revitalize Korea's economy and society."

Han also claimed that he is the right person to respond to the 'tariff war' initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

He said, "I can confidently say that I am the person who has dealt with Korea-U.S. trade issues the longest and can handle them best," and added, "I am convinced that I will be able to find solutions that are mutually beneficial for both Korea and the United States."

He also stated, "I will reach a great conclusion where both countries can win, as long as it does not infringe upon the national interests of either side."