Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, right, leaves the Government Complex Seoul, Thursday, after he expressed his intention to resign to take responsibility for the ruling People Power Party's crushing defeat in the general elections. Yonhap

All attention is on President Yoon Suk Yeol's pick to replace Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who offered to resign as a gesture of accountability for the ruling People Power Party's (PPP) crushing defeat in the general elections on Wednesday.

The president has not approved Han's resignation as of Friday afternoon, but sources at the presidential office said that the office is reportedly vetting possible candidates, following Yoon's comments on Thursday that he will accept the election results and cooperate with the opposition.

According to the presidential office, Friday, Yoon plans to announce his stance on the ruling party's election defeat early next week, when he is expected to disclose how he will change his way of managing state affairs.

Additionally, the replacement of key officials, including the prime minister, will be the symbolic start of such changes. Therefore, the nomination is anticipated to serve as a gauge indicating the sincerity of Yoon's pledge to cooperate with the opposition and change his stubborn and unilateral governing style.

So far, Yoon has been putting loyalty and conservative ideology at the top when naming candidates for key government positions. However, Yoon's aides are now reportedly encouraging him to pick a moderate figure with bipartisan appeal and political experience because appointing a prime minister requires approval from the National Assembly — meaning approval from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) that has held the majority during the current 21st Assembly and will continue to do so during the next 22nd Assembly as well.

Kim Han-gil, chairman of the Presidential Committee of National Cohesion, speaks during a committee meeting on migrant workers at the Government Complex in Seoul, March 26. Yonhap

The most mentioned candidate is Kim Han-gil, chairman of the Presidential Committee of National Cohesion. Kim is a former four-term lawmaker who has led a number of DPK predecessors, and has a close relationship with Yoon.

Due to this bipartisan background, Kim has been often mentioned as Yoon's possible pick for a position requiring bipartisan support. His close ties with the president can also help keep Yoon from losing his grip on power quickly.

Then-People Power Party floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, April 6, 2023. Korea Times photo by Koh Young-kwon

Appointing moderate PPP heavyweights is another option for Yoon. Rep. Joo Ho-young, who secured his sixth term during Wednesday's elections, is known for his crisis management experience, having led the ruling party as an acting leader several times before.

Rep. Kwon Young-se, who also clinched his fifth term, is categorized as a practical and moderate politician, due to his experiences of arbitrating factional infighting within the conservative bloc. Because he served as the unification minister until July last year and kept his distance from mudslinging partisan fights, political observers describe him as a balanced candidate.

Rep. Kwon Young-se celebrates at his election camp in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday, after confirming his victory in the general elections held a day earlier. Yonhap

Whoever Yoon nominates, a bumpy road lies ahead in obtaining the Assembly's approval, given the case of Han.

When Yoon named Han in 2022, the DPK assessed him as "an inappropriate candidate" in its confirmation hearing, but eventually gave him the nod, due to Han's background of serving as the prime minister of the previous liberal Roh Moo-hyun government.

Presidential Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-sup, front, enters the briefing room of the presidential office in Yongsan District, Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

Along with the prime minister, Yoon is anticipated to approve the resignations of several high-ranking presidential secretaries, including Chief of Staff Lee Kwan-sup.

Lee is known as one of Yoon's most trusted aides, serving as senior secretary for policy planning, director of national policy and eventually chief of staff.

He took the position in January, but sources said chances are high that Yoon will replace Lee to showcase the president's commitment to changing his governing stance.

The National Cohesion Committee chairman is also mentioned for the position, while other close associates of Yoon, such as PPP Rep. Chang Je-won and Interior Minister Lee Sang-min, are rumored to be possible picks.

Along with the chief of staff, senior presidential secretaries for political affairs and social policies are anticipated to be replaced. Except for those serving in national security, all of Yoon's senior secretaries have tendered their resignations to take responsibility for the PPP's election loss.