South Korea’s Acting President stresses fair election

Seoul

South Korea’s Acting President Lee Ju-ho held his first Cabinet meeting on Friday. He urged officials to work hard for a transparent and fair presidential election on June 3. Lee took over after former acting President Han Duck-soo and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok resigned on Thursday.

Lee praised the National Assembly for quickly passing a 13.8 trillion-won ($9.6 billion) extra budget. It was approved in just 11 days—the fastest in two decades. The money will help disaster recovery and boost the country’s economy.

With only 33 days until the election, Lee stressed the importance of staying focused on national tasks. He highlighted key issues such as economic recovery and trade talks with the United States. He also said national security must remain strong during the election period.

South Korea’s Constitution requires a new election within 60 days after a president leaves office. The government has declared June 3 a temporary public holiday to hold the vote. The National Election Commission has started registering candidates, with a deadline of May 11. Campaigning will begin on May 12.

Public servants who want to run must resign by May 4. The winner of the election will become President immediately, without a transition period.

Former President Yoon, who was removed from office recently after a controversial martial law attempt, was the second South Korean President ever ousted. The first was Park Geun-hye in 2017, also removed by court ruling. Just like then, the early election is scheduled exactly 60 days after the dismissal. Political divisions remain strong, but leaders are calling for calm and fair governance.