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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, delivers a policy speech on the supplementary budget at the National Assembly's main chamber in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 24. / Photo by National Assembly Press Corps

With the June 3 presidential election approaching, South Korea’s conservative bloc is pushing to form an "anti-Lee Jae-myung big tent," aiming to unify behind a single candidate to counter the Democratic Party’s frontrunner. Presidential hopefuls from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) have opened the door to unification talks with Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, suggesting a potential single conservative ticket against Lee.

Candidate Hong Joon-pyo declared during a press conference at his campaign office in Yeouido on April 24 that he would support Han if he enters the race and joins efforts to consolidate anti-Lee forces. “If Han runs and joins a unification push, I will work with him,” he said. “I will become a melting pot of national unity, embracing all political factions.” Hong also pledged to immediately begin negotiations with Lee Jun-seok, the Reform Party candidate, to build a broader conservative coalition.

Candidate Han Dong-hoon echoed similar sentiments on Facebook, saying, “The people’s victory matters more than preserving vested interests.” He added, “After winning the primary by a landslide, I will work with everyone for a general election victory.” Han emphasized his shared vision with Han Duck-soo, citing their cooperation during the recent emergency martial law crisis: “We are aligned in our resolve to protect and uplift Korea’s future.”

Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo also addressed Han in an open letter posted on Facebook, urging him not to enter the race. “Mr. Acting President, please do not cross the river of candidacy. The river we must cross is the river of impeachment,” he wrote, while acknowledging Han’s competence and integrity. During an appearance on Channel A’s YouTube show, Ahn added, “Han could play a role in a kind of big tent,” signaling that he remains open to a potential post-primary alliance.

Candidate Kim Moon-soo has consistently supported the unification idea, saying, “If Han runs, unification talks should follow naturally.” Although Kim remains a leading contender in the PPP primary, he stressed, “It doesn’t have to be Han Duck-soo—whoever can defeat Lee Jae-myung deserves our collective support.”

Despite mounting speculation, Han Duck-soo has not yet clarified his intentions. When asked about his candidacy after delivering a policy speech on the extra budget at the National Assembly, Han replied only, “Thank you for your hard work,” avoiding a direct answer.

Observers within the PPP believe Han’s decision will hinge on the outcome of the Korea-U.S. 2+2 trade talks and subsequent shifts in public opinion. As the current frontrunner in conservative polls, Han is seen by many as the right figure to lead South Korea through its diplomatic and economic challenges.

Outside the party, calls for Han’s candidacy are growing louder. The Pan-Civic Coalition held a press conference at the National Assembly, with backing from lawmaker Sung Il-jong, urging the PPP to activate a “unified national candidate” strategy immediately after the primary ends.

If Han decides to run, he must resign as prime minister by May 4, the legal deadline for public officials entering the race. With time running out, many expect Han to make his position public sometime next week.