Sudden Announcement of Presidential Election Date in South Korea Amidst Political Turmoil

Sudden Announcement of Presidential Election Date in South Korea Amidst Political Turmoil

South Korea’s ousted President Yoon Suk-yeol has been sending multiple messages to encourage his supporters from his official residence, although officials have denied any specific date being set for a snap presidential election on June 3.

Yonhap News Agency reported on Monday, citing an anonymous government official, that a snap presidential election could be held on June 3. However, later Prime Minister Han Duck-su's office clarified that no specific date has been decided yet.

According to the constitution, if a president is removed from office, a snap election must be held within 60 days.

Three days after the Constitutional Court removed Yoon Suk-yeol from office, he is still staying in his presidential residence, which is located near the Han River. However, there has been no specific information about when he will return to his private home. Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon-hee, were residing in a luxury residence in South Seoul.

Yonhap News Agency reported that Yoon and his wife were shocked by the court’s decision. Local media reported that his security team had prepared a welcome event, hoping for his reinstatement, and Yoon had planned to visit the national cemetery.

Leaders of the People Power Party (PPP) visited Yoon on Friday and Saturday, where he advised them to prepare for the upcoming election and be cautious about the opposition leader Lee Jae-myung’s candidacy. He also expressed deep concern, saying, “I am deeply worried about the direction the country is going.”

On Sunday, Yoon sent another message to his supporters, who have been participating in protest rallies for a long time. He said, “I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement… Your efforts to protect freedom and sovereignty will be regarded as a milestone in the proud history of our country.”

Meanwhile, Yoon's actions have raised concerns among political analysts, who believe that he may continue his political activities from his official residence, which critics have termed “residence-based politics.”

The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has labeled Yoon as a “traitor” and accused him of secretly running politics from behind the scenes, describing his influence as that of a “shadow ruler.”

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik proposed on Sunday that a referendum be held alongside the presidential election for constitutional reforms. He believes that the current single five-year presidential term system should be changed to a four-year renewable term system, similar to that of the United States.

Although Yoon Suk-yeol has been ousted as president, he currently faces criminal charges. If found guilty, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Additionally, Yoon has been accused of rebellion, related to his declaration of martial law.

Meanwhile, Lee Jae-myung, who lost to Yoon in the 2022 presidential election, is now considered one of the top contenders as the sole candidate in the upcoming election.