Former acting president and current presidential hopeful Han Duck-soo unveiled an ambitious artificial intelligence policy agenda Wednesday as he looks to consolidate conservative support ahead of a potential alliance with the ruling People Power Party’s (PPP) nominee Kim Moon-soo, Bloomberg reports.
Han is set to meet with Kim later in the day to discuss forming a united conservative front against the leading opposition candidate, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party. Lee, who holds a commanding lead in polls, received a boost after a high court postponed a hearing on charges against him until after the June 3 election, clearing the way for his candidacy to proceed uninterrupted.
Speaking at a press conference in Seoul, Han outlined his first major campaign pledge: the creation of a new ministry dedicated to artificial intelligence and science innovation. His plan includes the launch of a 1 trillion won ($716.9 million) fund to bolster AI talent, expand semiconductor production, and attract global scientists to South Korea. The move signals Han’s intent to draw on his technocratic credentials and long experience in government to differentiate himself in the crowded conservative field.
Han, who has not affiliated himself with any political party since launching his campaign on Friday, is challenging PPP nominee Kim for conservative voters. Despite Kim’s official nomination over the weekend, Han has maintained stronger nationwide support, with a recent JoongAng Ilbo – Gallup Korea poll placing him at 23%, compared to Kim’s 13%. Lee led the poll with 47%.
Han emphasized the need for conservative unity to ensure political stability amid mounting economic and geopolitical challenges, including escalating trade tensions and US tariffs under President Donald Trump. He also called for constitutional reform to allow two-term, four-year presidencies, a major shift from the current single-term model.
“I will accept any plan for a unified candidacy,” Han said. “It’s a clear mandate from the people. If politicians fail to respond, our nation’s future, reform agenda, and ability to face economic and security threats will be in jeopardy.”
The snap election follows the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose controversial attempt to impose martial law in December sparked a political crisis. Both Han and Kim served in Yoon’s cabinet, though they’ve taken divergent positions on the issue. Kim has stood by Yoon and defended unproven claims of election fraud, earning support among party hardliners, while Han publicly apologized for the martial law proposal and has distanced himself from such rhetoric.
“The paralysis of state affairs and other problems cited by those defending martial law are real,” Han acknowledged. “But responding with authoritarian measures is not the solution.”
Tensions remain over the conservative unification effort. The PPP has criticized Kim for delaying the process, while Kim has accused party leaders of meddling in discussions, insisting he should lead talks independently to build momentum before ballot printing begins on May 25. The deadline for official candidate registration is this Sunday.
Han reiterated Wednesday that he would not continue his campaign if a unity deal isn’t reached before the registration deadline.
“I have no intention of subjecting the public to political infighting,” he said.
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