What's happened
South Korea will hold its presidential election on June 3, 2025, following the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Acting president Han Duck-soo announced the date, which is mandated by law to occur within 60 days of a presidential vacancy. Candidates must register by May 11, with campaigning starting May 12.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Political Turmoil: Yoon's martial law declaration has left South Korea in a state of political instability, with ongoing protests and a divided public.
- Election Dynamics: The upcoming election is crucial for shaping South Korea's future, especially in terms of its relations with Japan and the U.S.
- Candidates: Lee Jae-myung, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, is a frontrunner despite facing legal challenges. Kim Moon-soo, the labor minister, has also declared his candidacy, representing the ruling People Power Party.
- Public Sentiment: Polls indicate a significant lead for Lee, reflecting public discontent with the previous administration's handling of governance.
- Implications: The election outcome will likely influence South Korea's foreign policy, particularly regarding Japan, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations.
What the papers say
According to The Japan Times, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo confirmed the election date, emphasizing the need for a smooth electoral process following Yoon's impeachment. The Guardian noted that the election is a response to the political chaos triggered by Yoon's martial law declaration, which was deemed unconstitutional. The South China Morning Post highlighted the legal troubles facing Yoon and his wife, which may impact the political landscape as the election approaches. Al Jazeera reported on the broader implications of the election for South Korea's economy and international relations, particularly in light of recent U.S. tariffs.
How we got here
The political crisis began when Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in December 2024, leading to his impeachment on April 4, 2025. The Constitutional Court upheld this decision, necessitating a new election to fill the presidential vacancy.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Yoon's impeachment?
- Who are the main candidates in the upcoming election?
- How will this election affect South Korea's foreign relations?
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South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is a country in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and sharing a land border with North Korea.
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Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and attorney who has been serving as Governor of Gyeonggi Province since 2018. Prior to this, he served as Mayor of Seongnam, the tenth largest city in South Korea, from 2010 to 2018.
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Han Duck-soo is a South Korean politician who served as the 34th Prime Minister of South Korea, from 2007 until February 2008, and as the ambassador to the United States from 2009 to 2013.
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