Han Duck-soo
- Known for
- Prime Minister, Acting President
- Born in
- Jeonju, South Korea
- Education
- Doctorate in economics, Harvard University
Han Duck-soo is a veteran economist, diplomat, and politician who uniquely served as South Korea’s Prime Minister twice under opposing administrations (Roh Moo-hyun and Yoon Suk Yeol). His career was defined by a dramatic fall and reinstatement during the 2024/2025 political crisis, culminating in a conviction related to the declaration of martial law.
Signature Positions
Han’s career highlights include significant diplomatic and economic roles:
- Trade Negotiations: Served as Minister of Trade Affairs and later as Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association (2012–2015).
- US Ambassadorship: Key role in securing the United States–Korea Free Trade Agreement during his tenure as ambassador (2009–2012).
- Economic Policy: Prioritized economic stabilization upon his second premiership nomination, drawing on his background in economics.
- Public Health Crisis: Managed the severe 2024 medical crisis, implementing emergency measures like telemedicine and opening military clinics.
Notable Tensions
Han’s tenure as Acting President was marked by significant constitutional and political controversies:
- Impeachment and Reinstatement: Impeached by the National Assembly for failing to promulgate special counsel bills, but later reinstated by the Constitutional Court in March 2025.
- Constitutional Court Nominations: His attempt to nominate several Constitutional Court justices as Acting President was deemed an unconstitutional act beyond his authority by scholars and later suspended by the court.
- Martial Law Involvement: Accused of aiding and abetting insurrection related to President Yoon's 2024 martial law declaration, leading to his eventual conviction and a 23-year prison sentence.
As an economist by training, Han functioned as a pragmatic centrist, serving as a bridge between administrations. However, his final years were consumed by the fallout of the martial law crisis, which saw him briefly hold the presidency before being implicated and convicted in the subsequent investigation, ending his long public service career in imprisonment.