South Korea to hold presidential election on June 3 after Yoon Suk-yeol impeachment

Acting president Han Duck-soo to finalize election date following Constitutional Court ruling.

A South Korean national flag is seen outside the National Assembly building in Seoul, South Korea, on April 7, 2025. Photo by SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

South Korea to hold presidential election on June 3 after Yoon Suk-yeol impeachment, marking one of the most consequential political transitions in the country’s modern democratic history. The announcement follows a Constitutional Court decision that formally upheld President Yoon's impeachment, triggering the mandatory 60-day countdown to a new election under South Korean law.

On Monday, April 7, a senior South Korean government official confirmed that Acting President Han Duck-soo intends to bring the proposed election date to a cabinet vote on Tuesday. The date, June 3, would satisfy the constitutional requirement while also potentially being designated as a temporary public holiday to facilitate voter turnout.

“Given the importance of the matter and the issue of declaring election day a temporary holiday, the decision will be approved in a cabinet meeting,” the official told reporters.

The Constitutional Court’s ruling on Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment has accelerated a wave of political activity, with national institutions quickly pivoting to election preparation. The National Election Commission began registering presidential candidates as early as Friday, April 4, shortly after the court’s ratification.

A swift transition required under law

According to South Korean electoral law, a presidential election must be held within 60 days of a sitting president’s removal from office. This legal precedent was also followed after former President Park Geun-hye’s impeachment in 2017. She was officially ousted on March 10, and the country held an early election on May 9—exactly 60 days later.

In this case, the proposed June 3 election aligns with that requirement. The cabinet is expected to swiftly approve the date, enabling all legal and logistical steps to unfold on time. Candidate registration is already underway and will remain open until May 11 if the June 3 date is confirmed. The official campaign period will run from May 12 through June 2, allowing candidates roughly three weeks to rally public support.

Tight deadlines and no transition period

One of the most striking elements of this upcoming election is the fact that the newly elected president will assume office immediately after the vote. South Korean law stipulates that in such emergency elections, the incoming president does not benefit from a traditional transition period. Once the results are finalized, the new leader will be sworn in—often within hours.

This tight timeline adds pressure to political parties and candidates, who must not only organize rapid campaigns but also prepare policy platforms and administrative plans on a compressed schedule. Civil servants who wish to run for office must resign no later than May 4, as per the 30-day resignation rule for public officials seeking presidential office.

Political fallout and national implications

Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment has sent shockwaves through South Korea’s political landscape. The former president, who controversially attempted to declare martial law in late 2024 amid escalating internal unrest, lost the confidence of the Constitutional Court and much of the public. The decision to uphold his impeachment marks a pivotal moment for South Korea’s democracy, which has undergone multiple presidential crises in recent decades.

While some conservative factions have criticized the ruling as politically motivated, a broad swath of the population—including moderates and progressives—see the impeachment as a necessary defense of constitutional norms.

The June 3 election will be viewed not only as a leadership change but also as a referendum on the direction of South Korea’s political future. Key issues expected to dominate the campaign include national security, economic reform, judicial independence, and public accountability.

Han Duck-soo’s caretaker leadership

Acting President Han Duck-soo has maintained a relatively neutral stance since assuming Yoon’s vacated responsibilities. While not expected to run in the election himself, Han plays a crucial role in maintaining political stability during the transition. His administration has focused on ensuring that the election process is transparent, efficient, and compliant with constitutional mandates.

“We are committed to a fair and orderly election,” Han said during a brief address on Monday evening. “This is a time for democratic renewal and the peaceful transfer of power.”

Han has also been coordinating closely with the National Election Commission to ensure all administrative procedures are handled properly. Security protocols are being updated, and logistical arrangements are being made to accommodate a high turnout on what is expected to be a national holiday.

Candidate field taking shape

With registration now open, several political figures have already signaled their intent to run. The Democratic Party, which played a central role in pushing for Yoon’s impeachment, is expected to nominate a candidate within days. Progressive parties are also mobilizing, while conservative factions are regrouping in the wake of the impeachment fallout.

Observers anticipate a crowded field with strong competition, as public discontent with recent administrations has created an opening for new leadership. Pollsters predict that voter turnout could exceed 75%, reflecting both the gravity of the moment and widespread public engagement.

A critical juncture for South Korea

South Korea to hold presidential election on June 3 after Yoon Suk-yeol impeachment is not just a headline—it is a defining chapter in the nation’s democratic story. With less than two months to go, the country is bracing for a campaign season that will test the resilience of its institutions and the wisdom of its electorate.

As the political landscape shifts rapidly, citizens across South Korea are preparing to make their voices heard. From Seoul to Busan, from young voters to long-time civil servants, the outcome of this election will shape the future of the Korean Peninsula—and perhaps influence democratic movements beyond its borders.

June 3 will not just be another election day. It will be a moment of reckoning and renewal.