• South Korea's Supreme Court has overturned Lee Jae-myung's acquittal in an election law violation case.
• The ruling could bar Lee from contesting the presidential election scheduled for June 3.
• The decision comes amid rising political turmoil following the recent impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
• Lee's Democratic Party expressed concerns about judicial interference in the electoral process.
• The acting president Han Duck-soo has resigned, further reshaping the interim government.

South Korea's Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on May 1, overturning the earlier acquittal of presidential frontrunner Lee Jae-myung in an election law violation case. This decision raises serious doubts about Lee's eligibility to contest in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3. The ruling comes amid ongoing political turmoil following the controversial ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol for attempting to impose martial law, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

Lee, the candidate of the Democratic Party, which currently holds a majority in parliament, had previously been cleared by a lower court in March of making false statements during his latest campaign. However, the Supreme Court's recent decision mandates a retrial, which could result in Lee being barred from holding office for at least five years if found guilty, reflecting the precarious legal status surrounding him, according to South China Morning Post, Anadolu Agency, and TRT Global.

The court has criticized Lee for violating election laws by making "false statements" critical to understanding a candidate's public office suitability, which may significantly impact public opinion against him. Observers note the ruling poses a challenge to Lee's credibility among moderate voters, further complicating the already tumultuous political landscape in South Korea, as highlighted by India Times and Channel News Asia.

In a related development, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo officially resigned to make way for his own presidential campaign. Acting President Lee Ju-ho is now set to lead the interim government, amidst the ongoing upheavals stemming from Yoon's removal, as reported by South China Morning Post and Reuters.