South Korea Sets June 3 Election After President Yoon Removed From Office
South Korea will head to the polls on June 3rd for a snap presidential election after the Constitutional Court officially removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office. Yoon had declared martial law last December, a move that shocked the nation and led to his impeachment by parliament. The court ruled he had violated his presidential authority by deploying troops to halt parliamentary action, and his attempt to justify the decision by citing threats from "anti-state forces" was widely rejected.
Acting President Han Duck-soo, whose own impeachment was overturned, announced the election date, urging the country to “quickly heal from the wounds” and move “upward and forward.” The race is already taking shape, with former Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung emerging as the early frontrunner, polling at 34% despite facing multiple legal cases. On the conservative side, candidates like Kim Moon-soo and Ahn Cheol-soo are launching campaigns, but no clear rival has yet matched Lee’s popularity.
The political shakeup comes as South Korea confronts growing economic strain. U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced sweeping tariffs on South Korean imports, including a 25% levy on cars—South Korea's biggest export to the U.S.. Trade Minister Cheong In-kyo is now in Washington trying to negotiate exemptions, as the country faces mounting pressure both at home and abroad.
