South Korea to Hold Snap Presidential Election Following Yoon Suk Yeol's Impeachment

As the country grapples with leadership changes, the upcoming snap election prompts questions about the future direction of South Korean politics.

In a decisive shift within the political landscape, South Korea has announced a snap presidential election scheduled for June 3. This follows the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted last week after attempting to impose martial law, an initiative that drew widespread condemnation. The country’s Constitutional Court confirmed the removal, with all eight justices unanimously backing the National Assembly’s decision made in December.

With a mere 60 days mandated by law for appointing a new president after such a ruling, the focus has swiftly turned to potential candidates. Current polls suggest that opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is a strong contender for the top office. To spur voter participation, the government has declared June 3 a national holiday.

Rival political parties are now preparing for primary elections, which are expected to take place before May 12, leading into an official campaign launch. Unlike the usual transition period of two months, the victor of the June 3 election is set to assume office immediately. Meanwhile, the nation continues to navigate significant external pressures, such as President Donald J. Trump’s recently imposed 25% tariff on South Korean goods, all under the leadership of interim Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.