Temporary President Han Duck-soo submitted his resignation on Thursday, following his announcement of candidacy for the presidential elections scheduled for June 3.
According to the Korea News Agency, Han made his decision during a press conference held at the government complex in Seoul, ending weeks of speculation about whether he would enter the presidential race resulting from the impeachment of former President Yoon Seok-youl.
In the press conference, Han stated, “After considering the weight of responsibility I bear at this critical time, and reflecting deeply on whether such a decision is right and inevitable, I have decided that if this is the only path, I must take it.”
He added, “I have two paths ahead of me. One is to complete the important task I currently hold, and the other is to step down from that important task to take on greater responsibility.”
Han remarked, “Ultimately, I decided to resign from my position to do what I can and what I must do to overcome the crisis we are facing,” alluding to the intense political standoff and the threat it poses to the economy and industries in the country.
Han was expected to officially announce his presidential candidacy this Friday.
