Han Duck-soo, Acting President, Announces Resignation as Prime Minister to Run for Presidential Election

Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo officially announced on May 1 that he would step down from his position as Prime Minister.

In a public address held at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul at 4 PM on the same day, he expressed his intention to resign, stating, "I will now relinquish my duties as Acting President and Prime Minister."

He will continue to serve as Prime Minister until midnight on May 1 and will officially resign at 12 AM on May 2.

In his address, he suggested that his decision to run for the presidential election was practically unavoidable, saying, “If this is the only path available, then I have decided to walk it.”

He shared his thoughts, saying, “In this serious time, considering the weight of the responsibilities I bear, I have long pondered whether this decision is indeed right and necessary.”

Vacuum in Acting Presidency, Choi Sang-mok to Take Over

Han explained the reason for his resignation, stating, “I have made the final decision to step down from my role to take on a greater responsibility and to do what I can to overcome the crisis we face." This decision comes 139 days after the former President Yoon Suk-yeol was suspended from duty through impeachment proceedings.

Han made this decision to resign 39 days after returning to the Prime Minister role when the Constitutional Court dismissed the impeachment motion against him on March 24.

With Han's resignation, Choi Sang-mok, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, will act as President for 33 days until the new President is inaugurated on June 4 following the presidential election on June 3.

Meanwhile, it is reported that Han will officially declare his candidacy for the presidential election at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on May 2.

Image Source: Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is seen moving to deliver a public address at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on May 1. (Provided by the Prime Minister's Office) 2025.5.1/News1. Acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo leaves the Government Seoul Complex after announcing his resignation during a public address in the afternoon of May 1. (Joint Coverage) 2025.5.1/News1.