South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3 to replace former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office after a controversial and short-lived declaration of martial law, the country’s acting leader announced on Tuesday (April 8).

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, currently serving as acting president, said the date was chosen to ensure smooth election logistics and provide adequate time for political parties to prepare. 

The decision was made in coordination with the National Election Commission and other relevant agencies.

Yoon, who was elected in 2022 for a five-year term, was unanimously impeached by the Constitutional Court last Friday. T

he court upheld parliament’s decision, ruling that Yoon had exceeded his constitutional powers when he declared martial law on December 3 in an attempt to suppress political opposition.

Although Yoon rescinded the martial law within hours after parliament nullified the order, the move sparked widespread outrage and revived memories of South Korea’s authoritarian past before its transition to democracy in 1987.

According to South Korean law, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of an incumbent’s removal.

Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is widely considered the frontrunner in the upcoming race, though he currently faces multiple legal challenges, including corruption charges.

The election comes amid heightened economic uncertainty for the export-dependent nation. Last week, former US President Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on South Korean imports as part of his sweeping “Liberation Day” trade measures.

While semiconductors were exempted, South Korea’s auto sector—its top export to the US—is now subject to the new tariff. Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo departed for Washington on Tuesday to seek relief from the punitive measures.

Source: Al Jazeera 

BDST: 1506 HRS, APR 08, 2025
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