South Korea’s conservative party ends presidential race
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has ended his brief and troubled bid for the conservative party’s presidential nomination in South Korea. After days of internal conflict, Han stepped down just days before the June 3 election, clearing the way for the party’s chosen candidate.
On Saturday, party members voted to keep Kim Moon-soo as the official nominee of the People Power Party. Han’s late entry into the race had upset the party’s plans and caused division among supporters.
Han Duck-soo accepts nomination outcome
On Sunday, Han said he “humbly accepts everything” and expressed hope that Kim will win the snap election. This election was called following the impeachment of the former president.
Kim Moon-soo formally registered as the People Power Party’s candidate Sunday morning. He will face off against the leading opposition candidate, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party.
Conservative party struggles with unity
In the past week, Han and Kim tried but failed to unite their campaigns. They held several talks to avoid splitting the conservative vote, but no agreement was reached.
Lee Jae-myung remains the clear front-runner to succeed the conservative former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon was removed from office in April after being accused of violating his duties when he declared martial law last December.
Kim was picked as the conservative candidate a week earlier during a party convention. However, he resisted pressure to step aside for Han, who had declined to join the nomination process earlier because he was serving as prime minister.
This internal battle highlighted the deep divisions within South Korea’s conservative party just days before the crucial election.
