Former South Korean PM Han announces presidential bid amid political turmoil

Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency in the June 3 election, following his resignation as acting president and prime minister. Han vowed to amend the Constitution to shorten the current five-year presidential term, proposing to hold parliamentary and presidential elections simultaneously in the third year of his term before stepping down. He positioned himself as a unifying conservative candidate against liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung, emphasizing his extensive government experience and economic expertise to address ongoing trade challenges. Han's campaign centers on sharing power between the president and the National Assembly to strengthen checks and balances and promote cooperative governance. Recent polls indicate Han is favored among conservatives, though he trails Lee Jae-myung in overall support. The election follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose controversial declaration of martial law led to his removal from office.