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Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, delivers a congratulatory speech during a ceremony marking $1 trillion in overseas construction orders and the 60th anniversary of Korea’s overseas construction industry, held at the Construction Association of Korea in Gangnam District, Seoul, on April 29. / Source: Presidential Office

Han Duck-soo, acting president and prime minister, is preparing to enter the presidential race with a proposal to form a broad coalition government centered on constitutional reform. His plan aims to unite factions across the political spectrum under the banner of national integration and power decentralization.

According to political sources on April 30, Han is expected to resign from his prime ministerial post on May 1 and immediately declare his candidacy. He will establish his campaign headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, in an office previously used by Rep. Na Kyung-won during her own presidential primary campaign. Former chief of staff Son Young-taek, a close aide often described as Han’s “inner circle,” is said to be leading the organizational efforts for Han’s presidential run.

Han’s first public message as a presidential contender is expected to stress unity amid national crisis and political division. A source close to Han said, “The acting president believes deeply in the need for constitutional reform to overcome the unprecedented polarization in our society—even if that means shortening the presidential term.”

At the core of Han’s campaign launch will be a proposed constitutional amendment to shift toward a more decentralized power structure, including reducing the presidential term. This strategy is seen by conservatives as a way to consolidate anti-Lee Jae-myung forces and galvanize a broad political coalition.

Currently, both anti-Lee factions within the Democratic Party and members of the former ruling bloc have expressed interest in unification but lacked a common rallying point—something Han hopes the issue of constitutional reform can provide. “If someone like Han Duck-soo, who is relatively neutral in terms of factional alignment, calls for unity through reform, it could draw unexpectedly strong support from across camps,” said one Democratic Party figure.

Calls for reform are already gaining momentum, with Constitution Association Chair Chung Dae-chul advocating for term-shortening constitutional changes and support building within the New Future Democratic Party, including from senior advisor and former prime minister Lee Nak-yon. Party leader Jun Byung-hun has also proposed forming a “constitutional coalition” of anti-Lee forces.

Although Lee Nak-yon is a former Democratic prime minister and party leader under the Moon Jae-in administration, he has left the door open to alliances with Lee Jae-myung’s opponents. “I will work with anyone who shares the goals of overcoming crisis, reforming politics, and promoting social unity,” Lee said, suggesting he could participate in the emerging coalition regardless of party lines.

The ruling People Power Party is also expected to naturally align with this coalition once its presidential nominee is chosen. Floor Leader Kweon Seong-dong said, “Most of our members believe we need a ‘big tent’ alliance to counter Lee Jae-myung, and our leadership respects that view.”