South Korea will hold its next presidential election on June 3, following the historic impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The announcement was made during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, just four days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s removal from office over his controversial attempt to impose martial law.
The decision, reported by Yonhap News Agency, comes as South Korea navigates a rare political upheaval. According to the South Korean Constitution, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of a vacancy in the presidency. In keeping with this requirement, the election will take place precisely 60 days after Yoon’s dismissal.
The National Election Commission has already begun early preparations, including candidate registration, which officially began shortly after the court’s ruling last Friday. Potential presidential candidates have until May 11 to register, and the official campaign period will begin on May 12.
In accordance with election law, any public servant intending to run must resign from their current position at least 30 days prior to the election, setting May 4 as the deadline for such resignations.
Unlike standard presidential transitions, the winner of this expedited election will assume office immediately, bypassing the typical transition team process. This rapid timeline reflects the urgency and constitutional necessity of maintaining leadership continuity in the wake of Yoon’s sudden departure.
Yoon Suk Yeol, who won the last presidential election on March 9, 2022, was removed from office after the Constitutional Court found him guilty of violating democratic norms through his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. The court’s ruling marked a rare moment in South Korean politics, as only a few presidents in the nation’s modern history have faced impeachment.
Yoon’s impeachment has shaken the country’s political landscape and has sparked intense preparations among political parties and potential candidates. With the new election date now confirmed, attention is quickly turning to who will step forward to lead the nation during this transitional period.
Observers expect a competitive and fast-paced race, as both ruling and opposition parties rush to nominate candidates and rally support. The election is seen as a pivotal moment for South Korea, which faces a range of pressing domestic and international issues, including economic concerns and regional security.
The June 3 election will be closely watched not only by South Koreans but also by the international community, as the country looks to restore political stability and move forward from a turbulent chapter in its democratic history.
