Friday, May 2, 2025 — WafricNews

South Korea has appointed Education Minister Lee Ju-ho as acting president, marking the third interim leader to take office in less than half a year, amid deepening political turbulence and a high-stakes presidential race.

Lee assumed office on Friday following the resignation of Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who formally launched his campaign for the upcoming June 3 election, which was triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

“I will work to ensure stability in government affairs during this transitional period,” Lee said during his swearing-in ceremony, vowing to maintain continuity despite the country's leadership upheaval.

Han’s candidacy introduces new volatility into an already unpredictable election. Speaking at the National Assembly, the 75-year-old political veteran said he was entering the race out of a sense of national duty.

“I have made this decision for the future of the Republic of Korea and all its citizens,” Han stated. “I will give everything I have to earn the people’s trust in this critical election.”

Han’s bid comes as the current front-runner, Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, faces renewed legal jeopardy. On Thursday, the Supreme Court overturned Lee's earlier acquittal on election law charges, sending the case back to a lower court. If a conviction is finalized before June, Lee would be barred from running.

The snap election was set in motion after former president Yoon, a former prosecutor and conservative figurehead, was ousted in December following his controversial and short-lived imposition of martial law. Though Parliament swiftly overruled the order, the fallout led to months of political paralysis and two impeachments within the presidential line of succession.

Han briefly served as acting president after Yoon’s removal but was also impeached, only to be reinstated by the Constitutional Court in March. He stepped down again this week to pursue the presidency.

Known for his long career across administrations of varying ideologies, Han has held top positions including finance and trade minister, and ambassador to the United States. Though not formally aligned with any party, he is expected to align his platform with the conservative People Power Party.

Han has said his campaign will focus on constitutional reform and curbing the power of the executive branch.

However, the Democratic Party sharply criticized Han's decision to run, accusing him of prioritizing personal ambition over his caretaker responsibilities.

“Former Prime Minister Han is disguising self-interest as public service,” said Democratic Party spokesperson Noh Jong-myun.

As the June 3 vote approaches, South Korea faces a pivotal moment, with its political landscape hanging in the balance amid legal uncertainty and a leadership crisis without recent precedent.



By WafricNews Desk.