Overview

• The Constitutional Court upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment on April 4, citing his unconstitutional declaration of martial law in December 2024.
• South Korea's snap presidential election will take place on June 3, with the winner to be inaugurated the following day, bypassing the usual two-month transition period.
• Acting President Han Duck-soo will continue to lead the country until the election, following the overturning of his own impeachment by the Constitutional Court.
• The election comes during a period of political turmoil and economic challenges, including US-imposed tariffs impacting key South Korean export sectors.
• Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, is the frontrunner with 34% support in recent polls, but faces ongoing legal challenges, while the conservative People Power Party fields multiple candidates.