Portrait of Han Duck-soo
Politician · concept
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Han Duck-soo on Resignation

Announced immediate resignation (strong)

TL;DR

Han Duck-soo resigned from his dual roles as acting president and prime minister to pursue heavier political responsibility.

Key Points

  • He formally resigned from both the acting presidency and premiership at midnight on May 1, 2025.

  • His initial impeachment by the National Assembly in December 2024 was dismissed by the Constitutional Court in March 2025.

  • He cited the need to address national crises and take on a 'heavier responsibility' as the motivation for stepping down.

Summary

Han Duck-soo, serving concurrently as South Korea's Prime Minister and acting President, announced his resignation from both posts on May 1, 2025. He stated that he was stepping down to take on what he termed a “heavier responsibility,” with observers expecting this move to clear the way for his official entry into the presidential race scheduled for June 2025. He framed the decision as one he agonized over, concluding it was the necessary path to help overcome national crises, including economic challenges and political division. He declared that he was laying down his duties to do what he felt he must for the country.

This voluntary resignation occurred after a politically turbulent period that saw him initially impeached by the opposition-controlled National Assembly in December 2024 for refusing to appoint Constitutional Court justices and vetoing legislation. However, the Constitutional Court overturned this impeachment in March 2025, reinstating him to his positions. His decision to resign again, though voluntary, was criticized by opposition figures who accused him of abandoning state affairs while running for the presidency.

Key Quotes

“I've finally determined to put down my post to do what I can and what I have to help overcome the crises facing us.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Han Duck-soo stated in a televised address that he was laying down his posts to take on a "heavier responsibility" aimed at helping the country overcome crises. He had agonized over the decision but felt it was the path he must take for the nation's future.

Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on May 1, 2025, and it formally took effect at midnight that same day. This ended his second period serving as acting president since the impeachment of the president in December 2024.

The primary stated reason for Han Duck-soo's resignation was to pursue a potential presidential campaign, which requires him to step down from his current governmental roles. He framed this move as accepting a 'heavier responsibility' for the nation.