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5d ago

South Korea’s Presidential Election Plunged into Uncertainty After Court Ruling and Resignations

Frontrunner Lee Jae-myung faces a retrial that could disqualify him, while Acting President Han Duck-soo resigns to launch his campaign.

Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo speaks during a meeting of security-related ministers at the government complex in Seoul on May 1, 2025. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
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Overview

  • The Supreme Court overturned Lee Jae-myung's acquittal on election law violation charges, ordering a retrial that could bar him from running if finalized before the June 3 election.
  • Lee remains the frontrunner in polls despite ongoing legal challenges, including multiple criminal trials, raising questions about his candidacy’s viability.
  • Acting President Han Duck-soo resigned on May 1, signaling his intention to run for president and positioning himself as a conservative contender.
  • Education Minister Lee Ju-ho has stepped in as the interim acting president, becoming the third leader to hold the role since December’s martial law declaration by ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol.
  • Former President Yoon Suk-yeol, already on trial for insurrection, was indicted on additional abuse-of-power charges related to his martial law decree.