South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) announced Thursday the selection of justice minister Han Dong-hoon as its interim leader, positioning him as a key figure for the upcoming general elections in April. Han, a close confidant of President Yoon Suk-yeol, announced his resignation from the ministry to accept his new posting. He will now take on the role of leading the party through the forthcoming general elections, slated for April. The PPP’s previous leader, Kim Gi-hyeon, resigned on Dec. 13.

PPP floor leader Yun Jae-ok emphasized Han’s popularity among younger and centrist voters, citing his leading position in opinion polls for the next party leader. Han’s role as the party’s new interim leader will be formalized after the party’s national committee approves his nomination, which is widely expected to be a formality.