Who in conservative bloc will embrace Han Duck-soo candidacy?

The entry of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo in South Korea’s June 3 presidential race is emerging as a pivotal development for the conservative bloc, potentially redrawing the People Power Party’s strategy in its bid to defeat liberal front-runner Lee Jae-myung. Han, who declared his candidacy Friday, is widely viewed as a credible conservative figure and a potential unifying alternative. But his late entrance has complicated the ongoing primary for the biggest conservative party, which has

May 2, 2025

Han Duck-soo declares presidential bid pledging constitutional reform, early resignation

Now-former Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo on Friday officially declared his bid for president, pledging to amend the Constitution, saying that such efforts have lost momentum into the past because all other politicians were only focused on taking power, unlike him, who is a career civil servant. Han's official announcement, made the morning after his resignation from his post, included a pledge to step down in the third year of his presidency — if elected — should he succeed in

May 2, 2025

People Power Party kicks off final round of its presidential primary

The conservative People Power Party began voting Thursday to determine its final presidential candidate for the June 3 election, with former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo and former party Chair Han Dong-hoon competing in the final round of the party primary. Voting will be conducted over two days, Thursday and Friday, and the final nominee will be decided through a 50-50 weighting of party member ballots and public opinion polls. The winner will be announced during the party’s convention on Saturd

May 1, 2025

Policy Watch: Lee Jae-myung vows to raise retirement age

Rep. Lee Jae-myung, the presidential front-runner of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea, pledged Thursday to raise the retirement age beyond the current limit of 60, aligning the announcement with South Korea's May 1 Labor Day Lee emphasized the need to close the gap between the retirement age and the pension age. Under current rules, Koreans born between 1957 and 1960 can start receiving the national pension from the age of 62, with the threshold gradually increasing to 65 for those born in

May 1, 2025

Policy Watch: Lee Jun-seok pledges property tax cuts tied to life stages

Rep. Lee Jun-seok, a presidential contender from the minor conservative New Reform Party, vowed Thursday to cut property-related taxes in line with homebuyers’ life stages, aiming to better reflect changing housing needs over time. Under his proposal, newlywed couples would pay a reduced acquisition tax when purchasing a 59-square-meter home -- the typically preferred size for those starting a family -- or smaller. If they later move to a larger home due to the birth of a child, capital gains ta

May 1, 2025

PPP presidential finalists differ on merger with Han Duck-soo

Kim Moon-soo and Han Dong-hoon, the two finalists in the People Power Party’s presidential primary, expressed differing views Wednesday on a potential merger with acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is widely expected to resign this week to announce his presidential bid. During a televised debate aired by TV Chosun, the candidates were asked whether possible integration with Han should take place immediately after the party’s convention. Kim said yes, adding, “We can only discu

May 1, 2025

N. Korea tests new 5,000-ton destroyer amid suspicions of Russian tech support

North Korea has conducted weapons tests of its new 5,000-metric-ton multipurpose destroyer, a Choe Hyon-class vessel, state media reported Wednesday, marking a major step in its naval modernization and fueling speculation of technological support from Russia. According to The Rodong Sinmun, the tests were carried out over two days on Monday and Tuesday, following the ship’s launch ceremony Friday. The trials were intended to evaluate the vessel’s weapon systems and overall combat performance. On

April 30, 2025

Policy Watch: Lee Jun-seok vows shorter military service for officers

Rep. Lee Jun-seok, a presidential hopeful from the New Reform Party, proposed cutting junior military officer service from three years to under two. To address troop shortages from low birth rates, Lee plans to unify recruitment and basic training for officers and enlisted soldiers. Top recruits would advance to commissioned or noncommissioned roles, serving one year and seven months, with optional extensions of up to six months. Scholarships would also be offered based on service duration.

April 30, 2025

Putin thanks North Korea for military deployment: KCNA

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed gratitude for North Korea’s military support in Russia’s war against Ukraine, North Korean state media reported Tuesday. In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency, Putin praised the deployment of North Korean forces to Russia’s Kursk region, describing it as consistent with international law and the comprehensive strategic partnership treaty signed between the two countries in June last year. “The dispatch fully conforms to internatio

April 29, 2025

Lee Jun-seok vows to lead S. Korea's charge in digital innovation

Rep. Lee Jun-seok, a presidential contender from the minor opposition New Reform Party, on Monday vowed to bolster international cooperation to strengthen the country's technological edge. The Harvard graduate said he would drive South Korea to "emerge as a global leader" in digital innovation and artificial intelligence, citing his academic background in engineering. "In particular, I will focus on fostering advanced technologies and nurturing talent," so that South Korea can lead global compet

April 28, 2025