Follow Us on Facebook

Walaw

Politics

South Korea to Hold Presidential Election on June 3

Tuesday 08 April 2025 - 07:30

South Korea has scheduled a presidential election for June 3, following the dismissal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol. The acting head of state, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, announced that this date was chosen to allow adequate time for political parties to prepare and to ensure the election process runs efficiently.

The decision comes after the Constitutional Court upheld the legislature’s move to impeach Yoon, ruling unanimously that he had exceeded his authority by briefly imposing martial law in December of last year. The South Korean constitution mandates a presidential vote within 60 days of a sitting president’s removal.

Yoon’s sudden declaration of martial law shocked the nation, as soldiers entered the National Assembly, prompting comparisons to the country’s former military regimes prior to democratization in 1987. Though the declaration was reversed within hours by a unanimous parliamentary vote, the incident sparked widespread concern and instability.

The leading candidate in the upcoming election is Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party, despite ongoing legal challenges related to corruption allegations.

Until the election, Prime Minister Han will remain in charge of government affairs during a period of significant political uncertainty and economic pressure.

Compounding the domestic tension, recent U.S. trade measures have further strained South Korea’s economy. The U.S. administration recently imposed a 25% tariff on most South Korean imports, although key sectors like semiconductors were exempted. However, the automotive sector, which makes up a significant portion of South Korea’s exports to the U.S., is now facing steep import duties.

South Korea’s Trade Minister has traveled to Washington in hopes of negotiating an exemption to ease the economic impact.

Keywords: