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South Korea's Presidential Primaries Intensify as Parties Finalize Candidate Fields

Acting President Han Duck-soo confirms he will not run, while the People Power Party and Democratic Party prepare to narrow their choices for the June 3 election.

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Kweon Seong-dong (C), floor leader of the People Power Party, speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul on April 15, 2025. (Yonhap)
Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party, speaks during an interview with Yonhap News Agency at his campaign office in Seoul on April 14, 2025. Han has joined the party's nomination race for the June 3 presidential election to pick former President Yoon Suk Yeol's successor. (Yonhap)
(From left) Lee Jae-myung, the former leader of the liberal Democratic Party (DP), Gyeonggi Gov. Kim Dong-yeon and former South Gyeongsang Gov. Kim Kyoung-soo are seen in this composite photo provided by the election camp of each candidate on April 15, 2025. They registered to compete in the DP's primary for the June 3 presidential election. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

Overview

  • Acting President Han Duck-soo has officially ruled out participating in the People Power Party's (PPP) presidential primary, focusing instead on his duties as acting president.
  • The PPP has closed its candidate registration, confirming a competitive field of 11 contenders, including notable figures such as Han Dong-hoon, Kim Moon-soo, and Hong Joon-pyo.
  • The Democratic Party faces internal dissent over restrictive primary rules, with some candidates arguing the measures limit broader voter participation.
  • Han Dong-hoon, a former PPP leader, has launched his campaign with a platform emphasizing significant investments in artificial intelligence and economic reforms aimed at strengthening the middle class.
  • Both major parties are advancing their primary processes, with the PPP set to finalize its nominee by May 3 and the Democratic Party by late April or early May.