Overview

• Acting President Han Duck-soo has officially confirmed he will not participate in the People Power Party’s presidential primary, ending speculation about his candidacy.
• The People Power Party has closed candidate registration and is preparing to narrow its field of contenders through an open primary process allowing unaffiliated voters to participate.
• Key PPP candidates have framed their campaigns around opposing Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, focusing on his legal challenges and perceived governance risks.
• Internal divisions persist within the PPP, with debates over its handling of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and its broader governance strategy.
• The Democratic Party’s closed primary rules have sparked criticism, with some arguing broader voter inclusion is necessary to ensure democratic legitimacy.