Han Deok-soo, who until May 1 this year was acting president and prime minister of South Korea, officially withdrew his candidacy for president in the June 3 election today, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Han announced his participation in the election campaign, thus causing a split in the ruling "People Power" (People Power) party, which at a party conference nominated former Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo as its candidate.
A vote yesterday confirmed that Kim will be the People Power candidate in the upcoming presidential election. He officially registered to run for office this morning, hours before the deadline for filing documents.
Han said on Monday that he "humbly accepts everything" and hopes Kim will win the snap election, which was called after the impeachment of President Yun Suk-yeol, who declared martial law in December.
The candidate of the opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myeon, was considered the clear favorite before the vote, Reuters noted.