SEOUL, April 15 (AJP) - Acting President Han Duck-soo is weighing an independent run for the presidency after deciding not to join the People Power Party’s (PPP) primary race. While he has not confirmed his candidacy, political observers say he is keeping the option open.
On Apr.15, both the PPP and the Democratic Party (DP) closed registration for their presidential primaries. The PPP plans to announce its final candidate by May 3, and the DP will select its nominee on April 27.
The PPP’s lineup includes nine figures: former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, former justice minister Han Dong-hoon, former Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo, lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won, North Gyeongsang governor Lee Cheol-woo, Incheon mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, and former lawmaker Yang Hyang-ja.
The PPP will review documents on April 16, hold debates from April 18 to 20, and announce four finalists on April 22 based on public opinion polls. A final candidate will be named after a second vote on April 29 or during a party convention on May 3, if needed.
The DP accepted registration for one day. Three candidates signed up: former party leader Lee Jae-myung, former South Gyeongsang governor Kim Kyung-soo, and Gyeonggi governor Kim Dong-yeon. The party will hold regional votes from April 19 to 27, with the winner chosen through a mix of party member votes and a public poll.
Han, who has been serving as acting president since Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office on April 4, is drawing attention as a possible independent candidate. Though he did not enter the PPP race, many believe he may step forward later, positioning himself as a moderate alternative in a divided political landscape.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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