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Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo greets a participant during a regulatory reform roundtable with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at the Korea Federation of SMEs in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 30. / Source: Yonhap News

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is expected to resign on May 1 to officially declare his candidacy in the upcoming presidential election, according to sources in government and political circles. Han, who has been serving as acting president, is likely to run as an independent and seek a post-nomination unity deal with the People Power Party’s (PPP) final candidate.

Han chaired a security ministers’ meeting at the Government Complex Seoul earlier in the day, which is expected to be his final official duty before stepping down. According to the law, Han must resign by May 4 to be eligible to run.

While many expected Han to wait until the PPP primary process concluded, he appears to be fast-tracking his campaign launch. During the opening of the security meeting—before the session went private—Han emphasized the need for continuity in national security despite his departure. “I urge you to maintain a thorough readiness posture and leave no gaps in defending the lives and property of our citizens,” he said.

Han warned of heightened threats from North Korea, citing its deepening military ties with Russia and recent upgrades to its weapons systems targeting South Korea. He also noted increasing cyberattack risks to South Korean institutions and citizens.

On the recent trade tensions with the United States, Han addressed public concerns over the global impact of President Donald Trump’s second-term trade policies. “The government will uphold the national interest as its top priority while responding calmly and firmly, based on the principle of ‘no compromise on national security,’” he said.

Han is expected to deliver a public address later in the day to announce his resignation and begin the formal registration process for his presidential bid. After stepping down, he will reportedly visit his official residence in Samcheong-dong to pack and then return to his private home. His official campaign launch is likely to take place the following day at the National Assembly, where he is expected to unveil his policy vision and rationale for entering the race.