South Korea to hold presidential election on June 3

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South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3 to choose a new leader after removing President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached by parliament in December after unexpectedly declaring martial law. On April 4, the court confirmed his impeachment, requiring South Korea to hold a snap election within 60 days.

Acting president Han Duck-soo announced the election date for June 3, emphasizing the need for the country to heal and move forward from this crisis.

Reasons for removal of President Yoon

President Yoon imposed martial law in December 2024, claiming that it was necessary to confront purported “communist” influences in the political arena. In an attempt to end a legislative impasse, he directed the deployment of troops to the National Assembly to stop opposition lawmakers from meeting. Many people felt that this action was an abuse of the executive branch.

In a unanimous vote, the National Assembly declared martial law to be unconstitutional and revoked the declaration. Yoon initially refused to lift the legislation in spite of this, which sparked more public outrage. Although he eventually complied, the incident had a negative impact on his political reputation.

The National Assembly impeached Yoon in December 2024 as a result of these activities. In April 2025, the Constitutional Court affirmed the impeachment, holding that Yoon’s imposition of martial law was unconstitutional due to its violation of the separation of powers and legislative authority. The court underlined that his acts constituted a serious breach of public confidence.

In addition to the impeachment, authorities have charged Yoon with insurrection for his proclamation of martial law. In addition to the political unrest the country is going through, his trial is still going on.

South Korea set for polarized snap election

Following President Yoon’s removal from office by the Constitutional Court, Acting President Han Duck-soo declared a snap election in South Korea.

The election, which must take place within 60 days, is expected to become a fiercely divided race between the Democratic Party, led by front-runner Lee Jae-myung, and Yoon’s People Power Party.

The People Power Party has a difficult time reestablishing public confidence and bridging the rifts brought forth by Yoon’s martial law ruling.

The outcome of this crucial election will have a big influence on the political climate and will dictate the course of the nation’s leadership for the ensuing five years. Both parties are gearing up for a fierce battle as the public looks for stability and healing after months of turmoil.

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