South Korea: 11 register for PPP's presidential primary race

IANS April 15, 2025 164 views

South Korea is preparing for a pivotal presidential election following the unexpected impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The conservative People Power Party has seen 11 candidates register for its primary, signaling a competitive race to select their presidential nominee. Notable politicians like Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon are among the contenders vying for the party's nomination. The election is scheduled for June 3, with the PPP set to finalize its candidate on May 3.

"The PPP will finalize its nominee on May 3" - PPP Election Committee
Seoul, April 15: Eleven candidates have registered to compete in the conservative People Power Party's (PPP) primary for the June 3 South Korean presidential election, the party said on Tuesday, as the two-day registration period came to a close.

Key Points

1

11 candidates compete in People Power Party's presidential primary

2

Notable contenders include Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon

3

Election set for June 3 after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment

4

Early registration begins with National Election Commission

Notable contenders include former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo, former PPP Chairman Han Dong-hoon, PPP lawmakers Ahn Cheol-soo and Na Kyung-won, and former Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo. Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok and North Gyeongsang Gov. Lee Cheol-woo also entered the race.

South Korean Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo did not register, as previously confirmed by the party's floor leader, despite ongoing speculation about his possible bid.

The PPP's election committee will review the applications and announce the list of candidates advancing to the first round of the primary on Wednesday. The party plans to finalise its nominee on May 3.

Meanwhile, three candidates registered for the liberal Democratic Party's (DP) primary during its one-day registration Tuesday, Yonhap news agency reported.

The DP said the three are the former DP leader Lee Jae-myung, former South Gyeongsang Governor Kim Kyoung-soo and Gyeonggi Governor Kim Dong-yeon. The party plans to finalise its presidential nominee on April 27.

The South Korean government designated June 3 as the date of the next presidential election following the ouster of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

The designation was made at a Cabinet meeting four days after the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December.

Under the Constitution, the country is required to hold a new election within 60 days after a vacancy arises in the presidency.

The government also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday.

The National Election Commission began early candidate registration shortly after the Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon last Friday.

Candidates will be required to register by May 11 and the official campaign period will kick off on May 12.

The law also requires a public servant running for President to resign at least 30 days before an election, making May 4 the deadline.

The new President will assume office immediately after the election without a transition team.

Reader Comments

J
Jihoon K.
Interesting mix of candidates! I'm curious to see how Han Dong-hoon performs after his time as PPP chairman. The party needs strong leadership right now. 🇰🇷
S
Soomin P.
Surprised to see so many regional governors in the race. Local leadership experience could be valuable for the presidency. Hope they focus on economic policies!
M
Minji L.
I wish the article provided more details about each candidate's platform. Just listing names doesn't help voters make informed decisions. The media should do better.
T
Taeyang J.
The quick timeline is concerning - only about 6 weeks to evaluate all these candidates properly. Democracy needs time to work properly!
H
Haeun C.
Lee Jae-myung vs. whoever wins PPP primary will be an interesting showdown. Hope this election brings some stability after the recent turmoil.
Y
Yujin N.
Making election day a holiday is smart - should boost voter turnout! 🗳️ Hope young people especially take this opportunity to make their voices heard.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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Tags:
South Korea Election People Power Party Kim Moon-soo Presidential Primary Han Dong-hoon Yoon Suk Yeol
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