Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has withdrawn from the conservative presidential race, ending a brief and turbulent campaign that sparked internal conflict within the People Power Party (PPP) just weeks before the June 3 election.
Han made the announcement Sunday, expressing humility and support for rival Kim Moon-soo, who was confirmed as the PPP’s nominee after a party vote on Saturday. Han’s late entry had disrupted party cohesion, but his exit now clears the path for a unified conservative front.
“I humbly accept everything,” Han said, wishing Kim success in the upcoming snap election, prompted by the recent impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Kim officially filed his candidacy earlier Sunday and will face off against leading opposition figure Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party.
The past week saw Han and Kim attempt to reconcile their campaigns, but multiple meetings failed to produce an alliance, threatening to divide the conservative vote.
Kim, already chosen as the PPP nominee last week, had resisted party efforts urging him to step down for Han, who refrained from entering the race earlier due to his role as prime minister.
Lee remains the favorite to win the presidency following Yoon’s ousting in April over a controversial declaration of martial law.