Particle.news

Download on the App Store

South Korea Sets June 3 for Snap Presidential Election Following Yoon’s Removal

Acting President Han Duck-soo announced the election date after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment over his martial law declaration.

Anti-Yoon protesters react after the Constitutional Court's verdict on the impeachment of South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul on April 4, 2025.
Image
Image
Lee (C) live-streamed his frantic drive to parliament and scramble over the perimeter fence to join MPs voting down South Korea's martial law declaration

Overview

  • The snap election was announced on April 8, 2025, and will take place on June 3 to fill the presidency after Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment was confirmed last week.
  • Yoon was removed from office for violating the constitution by declaring martial law in December 2024, which involved deploying troops to suppress parliamentary proceedings.
  • Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party and a prominent opposition figure, is considered the frontrunner, though he faces ongoing legal challenges including multiple trials.
  • The conservative People Power Party is struggling to unify and rebuild its image, with several candidates, including former labor minister Kim Moon-soo, entering the race.
  • The election comes during a period of political and economic challenges, including U.S. tariffs and concerns about South Korea's slowing economic growth.