South Korea is preparing to hold a presidential election on June 3, 2025, following the impeachment and removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol. The date has been tentatively set, with the cabinet expected to officially confirm it during an upcoming meeting. The decision comes after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s impeachment, creating a need to elect a new leader within the constitutionally mandated 60-day period.
President Yoon was removed from office after the court found that he had seriously violated the constitution by declaring martial law and deploying troops to block parliamentary functions in December 2024. This led to widespread protests and a political crisis, ultimately resulting in his impeachment being approved by both the National Assembly and the Constitutional Court.
In the interim, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has stepped in as acting president. The upcoming election date must also be approved by the cabinet to declare a national holiday, as is customary in South Korea during presidential elections.
Several political figures have already emerged as potential candidates. Lee Jae-myung, the leader of the Democratic Party and a previous presidential candidate, is seen as a major contender despite ongoing legal investigations. On the conservative side, former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon, who publicly opposed Yoon's martial law declaration, is considered a strong candidate.
Other notable figures include Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, Daegu Mayor Hong Joon-pyo, Labor Minister Kim Moon-soo, and Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Dong-yeon. Each brings their own political ideology and leadership experience to the table, setting the stage for a highly competitive election.
Public opinion remains deeply divided. A recent survey shows that 49.2 percent of South Koreans favor a liberal president, while 45.2 percent prefer a conservative. This narrow gap reflects a nation sharply split in the aftermath of Yoon’s controversial presidency.
In light of recent events, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik has proposed constitutional reforms aimed at curbing presidential powers. These proposed changes could be put to a national referendum on the same day as the election, potentially ushering in a new era of checks and balances in South Korean politics.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok has vowed to maintain economic stability during this period of political transition. He emphasized the government’s commitment to responsible economic management as the nation prepares to elect a new leader.
As South Korea heads into one of the most consequential elections in its modern history, the outcome is expected to have lasting effects on the country's political and economic future.