South Korea Sets 3 June Election Date Following Impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol
South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on 3 June, Acting President Han Duck-soo announced on Tuesday, just days after the constitutional court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his controversial martial law declaration.
Han called for national healing, saying South Korea must “quickly heal from the wounds” of the political crisis and move “upward and forward” as the country prepares to choose a new leader.
Yoon was impeached by parliament in December, following his unprecedented declaration of martial law, which he justified with references to threats from “anti-state forces” and North Korea. However, investigations suggested the decision was driven more by domestic political challenges than external threats. He now faces insurrection charges in a separate criminal court.
The announcement sets in motion a highly anticipated and competitive election. Early contenders include labour minister Kim Moon-soo, who resigned on Tuesday to launch his campaign, and People Power Party veteran Ahn Cheol-soo. But the current frontrunner is opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022. A recent Gallup Korea poll showed Lee with a 34% approval rating.
Yoon leaves behind a deeply polarised nation, with his martial law move sparking mass protests demanding his ouster, while a hardline pro-Yoon faction has gained traction, particularly online.
As the country navigates its internal crisis, it is also facing economic headwinds. The Trump administration’s sweeping global tariffs include a 25% levy on South Korean exports, prompting Seoul to seek urgent trade negotiations with Washington.
With just weeks to go until the vote, the coming campaign is expected to reshape South Korea’s political landscape once again—amid rising populism, economic pressure, and public demands for accountability.
