Acting President of South Korea Han Duck-soo announced his decision to resign on May 1, ending many weeks of speculation about his ability to participate in the election after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached.
"Thinking about the burden of responsibility I carry at this important time, after carefully considering whether such a decision is correct and necessary, I decided that if this is the only way, I have to do it" - Yonhap quoted President of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-soo at a press conference at a government agency in Seoul on May 1.
Mr. Han Duck-soo, 75 years old, has about 40 years of experience as a civil servant, and has a PhD from Harvard University.
He has held senior positions in various governments, including secretary of the trade, secretary of the treasury and ambassador to the United States.
Acting President of the Republic of Korea Han Duck-soo has also held the position of Prime Minister twice: the first time in the administration of President Roh Moo-hyun since 2007 2008 and the second time in the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol.
After Acting President of South Korea Han Duck-soo resigned, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok will become acting President until a new leader is elected on June 3.
