Independent presidential hopeful Han Duck-soo said on May 7 that he will not register his candidacy unless he can reach a merger deal with Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate of the conservative People Power Party, by May 11.
Speaking at his campaign office in Seoul’s Yeouido district that afternoon, Han explained his position and stressed that he does not wish to prolong uncertainty for the public.
“I have no intention of dragging this out and putting the public through more confusion until the ballots are printed on the 25th,” he said. “Political back-and-forth might be fun for those playing the game, but it only wears people out. That’s not something I want to be part of.”
Han began by reflecting on the vision that prompted him to enter the race in the first place.
“When I announced my candidacy, I made a commitment to pursue constitutional reform, tackle trade challenges, and walk alongside the people,” he said.
“I also made it clear that the economic miracle South Korea has built must not come to a stop. If those goals can be realized, it doesn’t matter who becomes president,” Han stated.
He added that he is open to any reasonable method for achieving a single candidacy. “Whether it’s through polling or televised debates, I’m willing to participate in any fair and lawful process,” he said. “Whatever the outcome, I will fully accept it.”
Han went on to emphasize that he has no particular demands regarding the process.
“I don’t care about the specifics,” he said. “The People Power Party can set the rules however they want. My stance is simple—I’ll go along with whatever they decide, no strings attached.”
