Han Duck-soo's Close Aide Son Young-taek Resigns… Expectations for Presidential Run Intensify

Son Young-taek, the chief secretary to Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, unexpectedly resigned on the 28th.

According to reports, Son submitted his resignation letter in the morning and also canceled his attendance at the scheduled National Assembly's General Affairs Committee meeting at 10 AM.

Son served as the head of the civil affairs office at the Prime Minister's Office after Han's appointment as Acting Prime Minister in July 2022. Since December of last year, he has held the position of chief secretary. He ran as a candidate for the Future United Party (now the People Power Party) in the 2020 21st National Assembly elections for the Yangcheon constituency in Seoul, but was defeated.

Expectations for Significant Formation of a Presidential Campaign Following Son Young-taek's Resignation

With Son, who is classified as one of Han's closest aides, resigning, speculation is mounting that Han will soon declare his candidacy for the presidency.

Political circles anticipate that Han will primarily assemble a presidential campaign team comprising officials from the political affairs section of the Prime Minister's Office.

Although Han had previously stated he was "in deep thought" about his candidacy, recent movements to organize his close associates suggest he may be leaning toward running for office.

Allegations Related to Constitutional Court Justice Nomination… Police Investigation Underway

Meanwhile, Han is under police investigation for alleged abuse of power concerning the nomination of candidates for the Constitutional Court justices designated as 'presidential nominations.'

The National Police Agency announced at a regular press briefing on the 28th, "A complaint was filed on the 10th, and we are currently conducting necessary investigations, including analysis of related materials, through the anti-corruption investigation team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. We have requested various materials from the National Assembly."

Regarding whether Han will be summoned for questioning, a police official stated, "We plan to investigate according to principle after verifying the materials," but added, "It is not possible to definitively state whether a summons will occur at this stage."

Previously, the civic group "Emergency Action for the Elimination of Insurrection and Social Reform" submitted a complaint to the National Investigation Headquarters, alleging that Han abused his authority by nominating two candidates for the Constitutional Court justices designated for the president.

Image source: Left is Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Right is Chief Secretary Son Young-taek / News1, Han Duck-soo, Prime Minister / News1