Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Acting President, salutes the national flag as he returns to his seat after paying respects with attendees at the 2nd Fallen Military Service Personnel Day ceremony held at the National Daejeon National Cemetery on April 25, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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Han Ducksoo, Acting President and Prime Minister, exercised his right to request reconsideration (veto) of the Constitutional Court Act amendment at the Cabinet meeting on April 29, raising speculation that his presidential bid is imminent. At the meeting, Han refrained from making remarks that could be interpreted as political signals regarding his potential candidacy, but the general analysis is that preparations for his campaign are already underway, as his Chief of Staff and other closest aides have tendered their resignations.

Presiding over the Cabinet meeting at the Government Seoul Office, Han commented on the Constitutional Court Act amendment proposed by the Democratic Party last month, stating that "it would render the President's appointment authority meaningless and poses a significant risk of violating the separation of powers." He then exercised his veto against the amendment, which would restrict the Acting President's authority to appoint Constitutional Court justices. This marks Han's eighth use of the veto power.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is wearing a safety helmet ahead of an inspection at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard on April 16, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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The Constitution does not place any separate restrictions on the scope of duties for an Acting President. The amendment would limit the Acting President’s authority by law, allowing appointments only for the three justices elected by the National Assembly and the three nominated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This legal restriction on the Acting President's duties is cited as the reason for the veto.

Han pointed out, "Article 112, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution clearly stipulates a six-year term for Constitutional Court justices. However, this amendment allows justices whose terms have expired to continue serving until their successors are appointed, which runs counter to the constitutional spirit that explicitly defines the term of office."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is entering the National Assembly main building on the 24th to deliver the government's policy speech on the first supplementary budget proposal for 2025. 2025.04.24 Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Han also commented on the '2+2 Trade Talks' held last week in Washington, D.C., which involved the economic and trade chiefs of South Korea and the United States, stating that "a significant portion of uncertainties has been resolved." Han noted, "Starting this week, practical working-level discussions will begin in earnest on various areas such as tariff and non-tariff measures and cooperation in the shipbuilding industry. We will have to overcome numerous obstacles by July, when the talks are scheduled to conclude, and at times, we may face situations that require decisive action for the sake of the national interest."

With the government having submitted a supplementary budget bill totaling 12.2 trillion won to the National Assembly last week, Han urged lawmakers to process it swiftly. He emphasized, "The effectiveness of the supplementary budget depends on speed," and added, "As long as the fundamental fiscal principle of using the people's precious tax money most effectively is upheld and swift processing is ensured, the government will approach the National Assembly's discussions on the supplementary budget flexibly and proactively."

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Ducksoo is listening to an explanation about the Jeongjo the Great-class No. 2 ship, 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong,' together with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Chairman Kwon Oh-gap (right) at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard on April 16, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News

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Although speculation about Han's presidential bid is mounting, he did not deliver a clear message at the Cabinet meeting. However, it is expected that after completing his official schedule by April 30, Han will resign on either May 1 or 2 and begin the process of launching his campaign.

In fact, following the resignation of Son Youngtaek, the Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, the previous day, other key aides such as Kim Cheolhui, Secretary for Communication and Messaging, have joined the effort, indicating that preparations for a full-fledged campaign team are underway behind the scenes. Given that trade negotiations with the United States have reached a preliminary conclusion and that the two finalists for the third People Power Party primary were decided on April 29, there is growing speculation that Han will officially announce his candidacy soon.

Prime Minister Han Ducksoo, Acting President, is speaking at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on April 29, 2025. Photo by Presidential Office Press Photographers Group, Yonhap News Agency

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Han must step down by the public official resignation deadline of May 4 to be eligible to run for president. If he does resign, he is expected to deliver a public message highlighting overcoming national crises and promoting national unity as the rationale for his presidential bid.

Amid the ongoing tariff dispute with the United States, Han is likely to emphasize his credentials as a trade expert with over 50 years of experience as an economic and trade official, underscoring his determination to overcome crises. He also plans to differentiate himself by highlighting his ability to ensure national stability as Prime Minister. In this process, scenarios are emerging in which Han would seek to build an 'anti-Lee Jaemyung big tent' not only with the People Power Party's presidential candidates, but also with Lee Junseok of the Reform Party and former Prime Minister Lee Nakyon of the New Future Democratic Party.

Given the difficulty of stopping Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung's dominance, there is also analysis that Han could attract centrist voters by making a bold proposal for a power-sharing constitutional amendment, including a shortened presidential term. The Prime Minister’s Office is also treating Han's candidacy as a foregone conclusion. An official from the Prime Minister's Office stated, "Since the deadline for public officials to resign to run for president is May 4, we believe Han will resign in early May."