Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Deok-soo announced on Friday that he would run in next month's presidential election, expressing a desire to curb government powers and ease domestic political tensions if he wins.
Mr Han's emergence intensifies competition among conservatives to unite behind a candidate who can challenge liberal leader Lee Jae-myung, whose campaign has been suspended following a trial over allegations of violating election laws.
“I have decided to determine what I can do for the future of the Republic of Korea that I love and for all of us,” Mr. Han said at a news conference at the National Assembly.
South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3 following the ouster of conservative President Yoon Seok-yeol, who imposed martial law.
Mr Han served as prime minister, the second-highest-ranking official after Mr Yoon, and has served as acting leader since the former president was ousted.
Mr Han also served as prime minister under liberal President Roh Moo-hyun from 2007 to 2008 and has served as trade minister, finance minister and ambassador to the United States during his 40-year career.
He has never held elected office but has taken on a high political position as the mainstream conservative People's Power Party (PPP) faces challenges following Yoon's resignation.
Mr Khan is not a member of any political party, but the PPP candidates have said they are prepared to nominate a joint candidate from among themselves and Mr Khan.
PPP members plan to nominate their party's candidate on Saturday.
Mr Khan said that if elected, he would create a body to amend the constitution to share powers between the president and the assembly based on checks and balances.
His amendments would also prohibit politicians and the judiciary from interfering in each other's affairs.
In South Korea, executive power is largely concentrated in the hands of the president, and calls for reform are growing.
Elections on June 3 will give the new president a full five-year term.
However, Mr Khan said he planned to serve for three years to complete the constitutional revision, after which he would step down.
Mr Khan added that he would also use his economic expertise to address trade issues with the US related to President Donald Trump's tariff policies.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
