Fri May 02 07:45:25 UTC 2025: **South Korea Swears in Third Acting President Amidst Chaotic Election Race**
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korea has appointed its third acting president in less than six months, following the resignation of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who announced his candidacy in the upcoming June 3rd presidential election. The election was triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol in December.
Education Minister Lee Ju-ho assumed the acting presidency on Friday, pledging to maintain government stability. His appointment follows the resignation of Han, who cited a desire to serve the country as his motivation for entering the race. Han, a veteran politician with a long career in various government roles, is expected to align with the conservative People Power Party. His campaign platform will reportedly focus on constitutional reform to limit executive power and strengthen checks and balances.
The election is already fraught with uncertainty. The Supreme Court recently overturned the acquittal of frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party on election law violations, potentially disqualifying him from the race if the conviction is upheld.
The Democratic Party criticized Han’s candidacy, accusing him of prioritizing personal ambition over his duties as a caretaker leader. The political turmoil continues to unsettle the nation, six months after the short-lived but impactful declaration of martial law by the impeached President Yoon.
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