South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3 after the removal of President Yoon Suk-yeol last week due to his brief imposition of martial law in December. Acting President Han Duck-soo announced the election date on Tuesday, allowing time for political parties to prepare and ensuring smooth election processes.
Yoon, elected in 2022, was impeached by the Constitutional Court for breaching his presidential duties. His decision to declare martial law and deploy troops to the National Assembly on December 3 sparked widespread outrage. Although Yoon revoked the order within hours, it evoked memories of past authoritarian regimes, deepening the political crisis.
Read more: South Korea’s President Yoon Removed After Court Confirms Impeachment Over Martial Law
Under South Korean law, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of a vacancy. This election is expected to reshape the political landscape and have significant implications for foreign relations, especially with the United States. Acting President Han will remain in office until a new president is elected.
Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is currently leading in the polls, despite legal challenges. A recent Gallup Korea survey showed Lee with 34% support, far ahead of conservative rivals. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, is expected to resign as party leader and announce his candidacy this week.
Among conservative candidates, former Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo and lawmaker Ahn Cheol-soo have also declared their bids. Kim, who resigned on Tuesday, cited a sense of responsibility to resolve national issues, while Ahn, who voted for Yoon’s impeachment, promised to focus on AI-driven economic growth to counter the effects of U.S. tariffs under President Trump’s trade policy.
South Korea’s economy has faced challenges due to the 25% tariff on vehicle imports imposed by Trump, and Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo is currently in Washington to seek exemptions. Meanwhile, Yoon is set to face criminal charges for insurrection, with his trial scheduled to start on April 14.
This election comes after the impeachment of another conservative president, Park Geun-hye, in 2017.
