South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation on Thursday, signaling his intention to run in the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3, 2025. In a televised statement, Han said he had “finally determined to put down my post to do what I can and what I have to help overcome the crises facing us,” indicating his readiness to take on the “heavier responsibility” of leading the nation as president.
Han, 75, a veteran career bureaucrat and twice former prime minister, was appointed acting president following the impeachment and removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, who was ousted after his controversial imposition of martial law in December 2024. Han himself faced impeachment shortly after taking office due to clashes with the opposition but was reinstated by the Constitutional Court in March 2025.
His resignation clears the way for Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok to become acting president until the election. Han is widely viewed as a leading conservative candidate and is expected to formally launch his presidential campaign imminently, with South Korean media reporting a campaign announcement as soon as Friday.
The presidential race has been thrown into uncertainty after South Korea’s Supreme Court overturned a lower court’s acquittal of Lee Jae-myung, the frontrunner from the ruling Democratic Party, on election law violation charges. This ruling casts doubt on Lee’s eligibility to run, as a guilty verdict in the retrial could bar him from office for five years.
Han’s supporters praise his extensive government experience, particularly in economic affairs, as vital for addressing challenges like trade tensions and domestic instability. However, critics question his age, lack of a strong political base, and leadership style.
With the June 3 election approaching, Han’s entry adds a new dynamic to an already unpredictable contest amid ongoing political turbulence in South Korea.