Tue Apr 08 03:34:47 UTC 2025: ## South Korea to Hold Snap Election on June 3rd Following Impeached President’s Removal
**Seoul, South Korea** – South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3rd to replace former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was removed from office last week following his impeachment. Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced the election date on Tuesday, stating the government considered the need for smooth election operations and sufficient preparation time for political parties. The decision follows the Constitutional Court’s unanimous upholding of the legislature’s impeachment, citing Yoon’s unauthorized declaration of martial law in December as an overreach of presidential authority.
Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law, later overturned by the National Assembly, caused significant political turmoil, evoking memories of the country’s past military dictatorships. The move led to the confrontation between soldiers and lawmakers at the National Assembly.
Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is widely considered the frontrunner in the upcoming election, despite facing multiple corruption trials. Prime Minister Han will serve as acting president until the election concludes.
The election comes at a critical time for South Korea’s economy, which is grappling with newly imposed US tariffs. President Trump’s recent 25% tariff on South Korean imports, excluding semiconductors, significantly impacts the auto industry, a major exporter to the US. Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo has traveled to Washington to negotiate tariff relief.
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