Acting President Han Duck-soo announces snap polls as nation seeks to restore democratic stability
SEOUL — South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3, following last week’s historic impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
The announcement was made on Tuesday by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is serving as acting president. Under the South Korean Constitution, a new election must be held within 60 days of a presidential removal.
Yoon, who ordered armed soldiers into Parliament in December in what the Constitutional Court later ruled was a bid to subvert civilian authority for “political purposes,” was formally ousted after lawmakers voted to impeach him. The court upheld the impeachment, bringing his presidency to a dramatic end.
“The presidential election will be held on June 3, and the day will be observed as a temporary public holiday to ensure maximum voter participation,” Han said in a nationally televised address.
The official campaign period will run from May 12 to June 2, with the new president taking office immediately after the election—bypassing the traditional two-month transition period due to the leadership vacuum.
Han called on all ministries and the National Election Commission to “guarantee a fair and transparent process that restores public trust in our democratic institutions.”
Lee Jae-myung Emerges as Frontrunner
Recent polling by Gallup Korea shows opposition leader Lee Jae-myung leading the race with 34% support—far ahead of any other contenders. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election, has made a strong political comeback as leader of the Democratic Party, which currently holds a majority in the National Assembly.
Despite facing multiple legal battles, including ongoing court cases, Lee is expected to resign as party leader to run for president.
“Lee Jae-myung has a clear path to the presidency unless a viable challenger emerges,” said Professor Lee Jun-han of Incheon National University.
Trailing behind are Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo with around 9% support, and former ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, as the People Power Party struggles to recover from the scandal.
A Nation in Crisis Seeks Stability
Yoon’s removal marks only the second time a sitting president in South Korea has been ousted by the Constitutional Court, following the impeachment of Park Geun-hye in 2017.
His controversial attempt to declare martial law—seen by many as a desperate power grab—sent shockwaves through the nation and led to mass public outrage. Millions tuned in to watch the court’s ruling live, with the verdict described by analysts as one of the most dramatic moments in South Korea’s democratic history.
Since Yoon’s suspension in December, the country has been hit by multiple crises, including a fatal aviation accident, devastating wildfires, and rising trade tensions with the United States, which recently imposed steep tariffs on South Korean exports.
Yoon now faces a separate criminal trial on charges of insurrection, deepening the political fallout from his actions.
A Pivotal Moment for Democracy
As the nation prepares for a pivotal election, experts say the June vote will serve as a referendum on democratic values and institutional integrity.
“South Koreans are craving responsible leadership,” said political analyst Jang Woo-seok. “This election is not just about replacing a president—it’s about restoring public confidence in our democracy.”
The outcome of the June 3 vote is expected to set the tone for South Korea’s political future in the aftermath of one of the most turbulent episodes in its modern history.
Comments