South Korea’s government has officially set June 3 as the date for a snap presidential election after the Constitutional Court removed President Yoon Suk Yeol from office last week. This decision followed Yoon’s controversial declaration of martial law, which led to his impeachment for violating official duties by attempting to halt parliamentary proceedings with the mobilization of troops.
The cabinet approved the election date on Tuesday after consultations with the National Election Commission, which also granted approval for a public holiday on the election day.
According to South Korean law, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days if the position becomes vacant. Yoon’s removal has sparked months of political unrest, beginning with his martial law declaration in December, which resulted in his impeachment and the impeachment of acting Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.