Key Points:

• South Korea will conduct a snap presidential election on June 3, 2025, following the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol.
• The Constitutional Court upheld Yoon’s removal after declaring martial law, which sparked major political unrest.
• Lee Jae-myung, the main opposition leader, emerges as the clear frontrunner in the upcoming election.
• The election process seeks to ensure stability amid ongoing political turmoil and economic challenges.

SEOUL – South Korea's government has confirmed that a snap presidential election will take place on June 3. This decision follows the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted by the Constitutional Court due to his controversial declaration of martial law last December. Acting President Han Duck-soo announced the date, indicating the urgent need for a stable leadership following months of political strife.

The court unanimously upheld Yoon's impeachment, asserting that his actions violated his constitutional duties. This pivotal moment triggered political chaos in South Korea, with deep divisions emerging among the populace, as Yoon had attempted to justify his martial law decree by citing threats from domestic opposition and external entities.

Public opinion polling places Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party and Yoon's opponent in the last election, as the front-runner with significant support. Lee, who narrowly lost to Yoon in a tense electoral race, is currently favored to regain leadership despite facing several legal challenges himself. Concurrently, various candidates from Yoon's People Power Party are preparing for the election, highlighting the difficulty it faces in unifying under a single banner.

Former President Yoon, who declared martial law in what was characterized as an effort to quash political dissent, is now facing insurrection charges that could complicate his potential return to politics. His declaration had led to protests and significant public disapproval, marking a historic moment in South Korea's democracy.

As the election date approaches, the government has assured that the necessary preparations will be made to ensure a transparent and fair election process, with public confidence in the system being paramount. The transition of power following the election will occur the day after the votes are cast, a process that diverges from the traditional two-month transition typical in normal election cycles.

For more details, refer to the full coverage by TRT and BBC.