South Korea will hold snap presidential elections on June 3, following the removal of former president Yoon Suk Yeol in the previous week after he implemented martial law in the country last year.

The date was finalised after the South Korean government held discussions with the National Election Commission. 

South Korea’s Martial Law

South Korea has remained in a state of political turmoil since former president Yoon imposed martial law. Widespread protests and political instability started afterwards, which led to his impeachment by Parliament and now removal by the constitution court. As per the South Korean constitution, the law requires an election to be held within 60 days, if the position of the President becomes vacant for any reason.

But the acting Prime Minister Han Duck Soo’s impeachment by the parliament came as a shock to the country. However, his impeachment was overturned by the constitutional court. He is currently serving as the acting president of South Korea until the results of the new elections, scheduled for 3rd June, come out.

Amidst a time of spiralling US tariffs and a slowing growth rate in Asia, the South Korean administration is hollow at the apex level. The new elections are likely to bring relief to the country.