Controversial far-right pastor expresses intent to enter presidential race

The Rev. Jeon Kwang-hoon, a far-right pastor, confirmed he will enter the presidential race for the upcoming June 3 election at a press conference on Thursday.

“The reason I decided to run in the presidential election is because I see no hope in either the ruling or opposition parties,” Jeon told the press, speaking from the minor Liberty Unification Party's headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. “I cannot entrust the future of South Korea to them, which is why I am running for president.”

Factions of the far-right in South Korea have called for the breakup of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials and the National Election Commission then-President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law debacle in December last year, accusing the CIO of undermining the rule of law and lacking political neutrality from the way it handled Yoon’s investigations in January and accusing the NEC of involvement in election fraud during the April 2024 general elections.

During another rally organized on April 20, Jeon made extreme claims, saying he would reenact events like the May 16 coup d’etat in 1961 “to create a revolution,” once he becomes president, and that he would “reinstate former President Yoon.”

The People Power Party has shown signs of discomfort, as Jeon’s entry into the race could cause some supporters of Yoon to drift from the party even as it must work to consolidate as much support as possible to fend off the Democratic Party of Korea.

“A person who denies constitutional order and glorifies rebellion running to become president of South Korea is a serious threat to liberal democracy,” wrote Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo on Facebook on April 20. Ahn is one of four remaining candidates for the People Power Party's presidential nomination, after the field was narrowed from eight earlier this week.

On the other hand, representatives of the Democratic Party have seemed to welcome the news, as Jeon's entry into the race is seen as likely to sharpen the divide among conservative voters.

“This is the most delightful news I’ve seen in my life,” wrote Democratic Party Rep. Park Jie-won on Facebook on Sunday. “I figured it would be too selfish of me to rejoice alone, so I’m sharing the news with the entire nation.”

The far-right, evangelical Liberty Unification Party plans to hold a national convention on Tuesday to officially nominate its presidential candidate.