South Korea’s former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on Tuesday urged conservatives to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the country’s 3 June snap election, saying failure to do so would amount to a “great betrayal of the people.”
Speaking at a debate hosted by the influential Kwanhun Club, Han stressed that he saw no alternative but to join forces with the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and its candidate, former labour minister Kim Moon-soo, to avoid splitting the conservative vote.
“I’ve never thought that unification would fail because that would be a great betrayal of the people,” Han declared, in his most direct appeal yet for a unity ticket.
The call comes as liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung of the opposition Democratic Party continues to dominate polls. A survey released Tuesday by the JoongAng Ilbo placed Lee at nearly 50% support, significantly ahead of both Kim and Han.
In a hypothetical three-way race, Han polled at 36%, compared to 33% for Kim if he ran on a unity ticket, suggesting Han may be better positioned to challenge Lee. The poll also included Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party, who lags behind.
Kim, however, expressed frustration on Tuesday, criticising the PPP for excluding him from the unity candidacy process. “I was not included in the process of running a joint candidacy,” he posted on Facebook, hinting at disarray within the ruling bloc.
Han, who recently stepped down as acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, is leveraging his heightened profile to press his case. He also touted his trade credentials, claiming he was best equipped to manage South Korea’s critical economic ties with Washington.
“I think I’m the one who’s been dealing with trade issues between South Korea and the US for the longest time, who can do the best job,” he said, referencing recent bilateral talks over US tariffs impacting sectors like auto manufacturing.
The sudden presidential race was triggered by Yoon’s ousting by the Constitutional Court last month over his controversial imposition of martial law, prompting a leadership vacuum and urgent calls for political consolidation.
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