South Korea will hold a presidential election on June 3, following the dramatic removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted for attempting to impose martial law. Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that the vote must take place within 60 days, as required by the constitution, after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment last week.
Yoon was suspended in December after he ordered armed troops to Parliament in an effort to override civilian governance. Lawmakers voted to impeach him, and the court later ruled that his actions constituted the use of military force for political purposes.
Prime Minister Han declared that June 3 would be a temporary public holiday to allow maximum voter turnout. He also noted that the new president would be sworn in immediately after the election—skipping the usual transition period due to the urgent leadership vacuum.
The official campaign period will run from May 12 to June 2. Han called on government ministries and the National Election Commission to guarantee a fair and transparent election process.
According to the latest Gallup poll, opposition leader Lee Jae-myung is currently leading with 34% support. Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential race to Yoon, has regained momentum as the head of the Democratic Party, which controls the National Assembly. Despite facing legal issues, Lee is expected to run and may soon step down from his party leadership role to pursue the nomination.
Professor Lee Jun-han of Incheon National University noted, “Lee Jae-myung appears to be the clear favorite, given his high approval ratings and the absence of a strong challenger.”
Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo is trailing with around 9% support, followed by former ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon and other lesser-known candidates from the embattled People Power Party.
Yoon’s removal marks only the second time a South Korean president has been impeached and removed from office, the first being Park Geun-hye in 2017. His failed attempt to declare martial law amid political unrest shocked the nation and was widely viewed as a power grab. The court’s decision last Friday was watched live by millions, becoming a historic moment in the country’s political narrative.
Since Yoon’s suspension, South Korea has endured multiple crises—including a fatal aviation incident, destructive wildfires, and escalating trade tensions with the U.S., where President Donald Trump recently announced 26% tariffs on South Korean goods.
Yoon now faces criminal charges of insurrection, deepening the fallout from his dramatic downfall.
With the upcoming election seen as a turning point, analysts say voters are eager for stability and a return to legitimate, democratic leadership.
“South Koreans are hungry for responsible governance,” said political commentator Jang Woo-seok. “This election is about more than just a president—it’s about restoring faith in democracy.”