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Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks on the phone with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Government Complex Seoul on April 8. / Provided by the Prime Minister’s Office

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is increasingly expected to run in South Korea’s upcoming presidential election, with signs pointing to a near-certain candidacy. On April 10, a growing number of media reports highlighted remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump asking Han if he would run, to which a Prime Minister’s Office official responded, “Only Han and President Trump would know.”

Later that day, Han reportedly told a media outlet, “If that ever happens, I’ll let you know,” further fueling speculation. Within the ruling party, what began as talk of Han being “drafted” is now being interpreted as a decision already made.

The question of Han’s candidacy drew intense media attention throughout the day. According to JoongAng Ilbo, Trump raised the issue directly during a recent phone call with Han on April 8. Several follow-up reports in major outlets sought to uncover more details about the call, though most confirmed it focused on broader bilateral matters, including investments in the shipbuilding industry.

The Prime Minister’s Office was quick to correct any inaccurate reporting, issuing clarifications to media outlets regarding statements attributed to Trump, such as a supposed offer to send a special envoy or to invest significantly in Korean shipbuilding. It emphasized that while it could not reveal details of a diplomatic conversation, "some of the reports are not factual."

However, no denial was issued in response to JoongAng Ilbo’s report that Trump had asked about Han’s political intentions and that Han had replied he was "considering" it due to various pressures and circumstances. The absence of such a denial was seen as a tacit acknowledgment of the report’s accuracy.

When a senior journalist asked about the source of the “only Han and Trump would know” comment, the Prime Minister’s Office also declined to refute it. Given the Office’s usual swift rebuttals of inaccurate or speculative reporting, observers interpreted the silence as further confirmation that Han is seriously preparing to run.

Donga Ilbo also reported that when asked about his candidacy, Han responded, “If that happens, I’ll let you know.” The Prime Minister’s Office did not deny that report either. Taken together, the various responses and lack of denials are reinforcing the narrative that Han’s presidential bid is imminent.

In a message to ASIATODAY, an official explained that under South Korea’s Public Official Election Act, a civil servant must resign at least 30 days before election day to be eligible to run. If Han steps down by May 3, he could legally participate in the election.

With the People Power Party’s (PPP) registration for primary candidates closing on April 15, it is widely expected that Han will announce his candidacy over the weekend or early next week.

In response to persistent questions from journalists about Han’s intentions, the Prime Minister’s Office had previously offered vague answers such as, “Wouldn’t it be strange for an acting president to declare a candidacy?” Although there were reports Han had instructed aides not to even mention the word “election,” an official from his office told ASIATODAY, “We’ve never heard such an order.”

Taken together, these developments suggest that the so-called “Han Duck-soo boom” is becoming a political reality. Within the PPP, there is already talk that even if Han does not enter the party primary, he should be nominated if the final ruling party candidate trails significantly behind opposition leader Lee Jae-myung. In other words, discussion has moved from Han being “drafted” to being “crowned.”

Even if unforeseen circumstances prevent Han from running, political observers expect speculation to continue until at least May 3.