South Korea will hold a presidential election on June 3, the country’s acting president announced on Tuesday, following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The country has been without an official leader since December, when Yoon was suspended from office after declaring martial law in a move widely condemned as an attempt to subvert civilian authority. Lawmakers swiftly impeached him, and the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment last week, formally ending his tenure and triggering the constitutional requirement for a new election within 60 days.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who is currently serving as acting president, announced the election date on Tuesday. He said June 3 would be declared a temporary public holiday to facilitate voter participation.
Han stated that the decision considered “the need to ensure smooth election operations and allow sufficient time for political parties to prepare”. He also urged all government ministries and the National Election Commission to ensure the election is conducted in a fair and transparent manner.
Unlike regular presidential elections in South Korea, where the president-elect typically undergoes a two-month transition period, the winner of this snap election will be inaugurated the following day.
