section_path: Nominations/Third party nominees and independent candidates/Withdrawn, eliminated, or ineligible candidates/Independents
section_name: Independents
paragraph_text: Independents
  
  On 9 April 2025, former prime minister and acting president Hwang Kyo-ahn announced his presidential bid. Hwang officially registered as an independent candidate on 11 May.
  
  On 1 May 2025, Han Duck-soo resigned as acting president and concurrent prime minister of South Korea and announced his presidential bid the next day. Han pledged to amend the constitution to allow up to two four-year terms. Han committed to resigning immediately upon a successful amendment.
  
  Independent candidate Song Jin-ho filed his candidacy on 11 May. Song's registration documents disclosed 17 prior criminal convictions.