South Korea's Acting President Han Advocates for Enhanced Democracy Amid Election Speculation
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Synopsis
On April 26, South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo stressed the need for a "more mature democracy" in his address at a national breakfast prayer meeting, amidst rumors of his potential presidential candidacy following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Key Takeaways
- Han Duck-soo calls for a more mature democracy.
- Speculation surrounds his potential presidential run.
- The April 19 revolution is a pivotal moment in democracy.
- DP criticizes Han for his ambitions.
- Ahn Cheol-soo calls for unity in the election.
Seoul, April 26 (NationPress) South Korean Acting President Han Duck-soo emphasized the need for initiatives aimed at fostering a "more mature democracy" in South Korea on Saturday, amidst increasing speculation regarding his potential candidacy in the forthcoming presidential election.
"We will strive to realize a more mature democracy to effectively pass on to future generations the principles of liberal democracy, championed by the April 19 civil revolt," Han declared in a congratulatory address at the national breakfast prayer gathering celebrating the 1960 pro-democracy movement.
Lee Hee-wan, the deputy minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, delivered Han's message.
"I aspire for South Korea to emerge as a leader globally in politics, economy, and society by uniting the hearts of our citizens," he expressed.
Han's statement comes amid conjecture that he could significantly influence the conservative faction in the June election, which aims to select a new leader following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over a failed martial law decree.
Han has refrained from commenting on his potential candidacy for the election.
"The April 19 revolution is a proud milestone not just for South Korea, but for global democracy," he remarked, highlighting the event's recognition by UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
In 2023, UNESCO approved the inclusion of the archives of the April 19 revolution in its registry.
The revolution was ignited by public fury over electoral fraud in the presidential election conducted by the Rhee Syng-man administration, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
A wave of nationwide student protests reached a peak on April 19, resulting in numerous casualties among demonstrators during confrontations with armed police. Ultimately, the uprising led to Rhee's resignation after 12 years in power.
The liberal Democratic Party (DP) has vocally criticized Han amid speculation regarding his presidential aspirations, accusing him of "shamelessly testing the waters" for a run.
DP spokesperson Rep. Hwang Jung-ah stated in a written briefing, "The people will evaluate Acting President Han, who has turned state affairs into a means for personal ambition."
Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a candidate in the presidential primary for the People Power Party, also urged Han to reconsider, asserting, "It's time for us to regain our composure and select a candidate capable of truly defeating Lee Jae-myung," referencing the leading DP candidate.
