[Yoon Seok-yeol Impeachment] June 3 Presidential Election Likely... 60-Day Race Begins

Early Presidential Election Becomes an Urgent Issue in Politics
Ruling and Opposition Candidates Expected to Be Finalized by End of This Month

On the 4th, the Constitutional Court dismissed President Yoon Seok-yeol, prompting the political sphere to begin preparations for an early presidential election. According to Article 68 of the Constitution, if the president loses their qualification by a ruling, a successor must be elected within 60 days. The 21st presidential election is likely to be held on June 3.

Han Duck-soo, Acting President and Prime Minister, stated in a public address on the same day, "In accordance with the Constitution and laws, we will do our best to manage the next presidential election so that the next government can be launched without disruption," and urged, "Since this is a result decided according to our constitutional order, please accept the outcome and demonstrate peaceful expression and mature civic consciousness."

Both ruling and opposition parties expressed their intention to accept the Constitutional Court's decision and have begun preparations for the presidential primary.

Kwon Young-se, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the People Power Party, said at a press conference after the verdict, "We take the Constitutional Court's decision seriously and humbly accept it," adding, "The Constitutional Court's judgment is the final decision made within the constitutional order."

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, also said at a press conference, "The great people have restored the great democratic republic of Korea," and expressed, "I sincerely respect and thank the people who have protected Korea's democratic republic."

Lee, who is leading in presidential election opinion polls, is expected to resign from his leadership position to register as a candidate in the party's primary.