South Korea will hold a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, following the ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office for declaring martial law in a failed attempt to halt legislative proceedings.
The government finalized the date after consultations with the National Election Commission, also designating it as a public holiday.
Yoon was dismissed by the Constitutional Court after his controversial December 3 decree that mobilized the military to interfere in parliamentary affairs — a move deemed a severe breach of his duties.
Under South Korean law, a new president must be elected within 60 days of the presidency becoming vacant.
The political crisis deepened when Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who stepped in as acting president, was also impeached. However, the court later reinstated Han, who will remain in the role until the election.
The power struggle has overshadowed South Korea’s efforts to navigate economic tensions and trade disputes under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
In the upcoming election, Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party — narrowly defeated by Yoon in 2022 — currently leads in the polls, despite facing legal issues. A recent Gallup poll showed Lee with 34% support, while conservative hopefuls trail behind, including Labour Minister Kim Moon-soo (9%), ex-party leader Han Dong-hoon (5%), Daegu mayor Hong Joon-pyo (4%), and Seoul mayor Oh Se-hoon (2%).