April 8, 2025
SEOUL – South Korea’s Cabinet confirmed a plan for an early presidential election to be held on June 3, in the aftermath of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster through the parliament-led impeachment due to his botched martial law imposition in December.
Acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo approved the plan at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, as the Constitution stipulates that an early presidential election shall be held between 50 and 60 days after the sitting president’s removal. As Yoon was formally removed from his post on Friday that would mean between May 24 and June 3.
Han has designated June 3 as an extraordinary holiday. He was to announce the date by no later than Monday next week.
Han said in a Cabinet meeting that he made the decision for the sake of the smooth execution of statutory affairs necessary for election management and the time needed for political parties to prepare for the election, adding that the government consulted with the National Election Commission and other authorities prior to the determination.
A public official wishing to run for president must resign from his or her post by May 4 at midnight. Following a two-day registration period for presidential candidates with election authorities, the campaigning period is to begin on May 12 and end on June 2.
The polls will open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 3. The winner of the early election will begin his or her term as South Korea’s president on June 4.