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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, speaks during an interview with British news weekly The Economist in Seoul on April 22. / Source: Office of the Prime Minister

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will resign from his post on May 1 to run in the upcoming 21st presidential election. Han is expected to officially declare his candidacy at the National Assembly on May 2.

According to political sources on April 28, Han had so far focused solely on preparing for tariff negotiations with the Trump administration, declining to respond to requests from the broader pro-government camp to run for president. His decision appears to reflect rising public support and interest in his candidacy ahead of the election.

A source close to Han told the press, "It seems Prime Minister Han has made up his mind to resign on May 1. He believes that he has completed the groundwork for trade negotiations with the United States and has already seen meaningful results."

The source added, "After stepping down on May 1, Han plans to announce his presidential bid at the National Assembly on May 2. Although several venues were considered, the National Assembly has been finalized."

Regarding the timing of the resignation, the source explained, "A meeting with Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of President Trump, is scheduled. In addition, Han will meet with U.S. Under Secretary of the Navy John Pullen during his visit to South Korea on April 30. It seems Han intends to complete these key engagements before stepping down." The source also mentioned, "Han is expected to meet Jeong Dae-chul, head of the Korean Constitutional Association, who had long urged him to run for president. He wants to wrap up his remaining official duties before resigning."

In parallel with Han’s imminent presidential run, preparations for his campaign are already underway. Son Young-taek, chief of staff at the Prime Minister’s Office, submitted his resignation on April 28. Communications chief Kim Su-hye and political affairs director Park Kyung-eun are also expected to resign soon. Although the structure of Han's campaign has yet to be formally announced, many lawmakers within the People Power Party are reportedly ready to join him once he officially declares his candidacy.

Political circles are also calling for Han to build a broad, nationwide campaign team should he run. Several PPP primary candidates, including Kim Moon-soo, Hong Joon-pyo, and Han Dong-hoon, have already hinted at uniting with him. Some are advocating for Han to pursue broader alliances, even suggesting a "grand coalition" with anti-Lee Jae-myung forces to block Lee’s dominance in the election.

A PPP official said, "To win the election, Han must bring seasoned politicians to the forefront of his campaign. Considering the short preparation time, recruiting skilled communications experts is also essential." The official emphasized, "Building a 'big tent' that includes the broader conservative bloc and anti-Lee forces is critical for victory."

The official added, "Given that Han has historically enjoyed stronger support in the Honam region compared to former President Yoon Suk-yeol, expanding into anti-Lee alliances will be crucial. Han’s campaign must aim for broad, nationwide participation, encompassing conservatives, anti-Lee forces, and moderates."