Synopsis
Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo spoke with US President Donald Trump, marking their first conversation since Yoon Suk Yeol's removal due to a martial law controversy. This dialogue comes amid ongoing political turmoil in South Korea and sets the stage for the upcoming presidential election scheduled for June 3.Key Takeaways
- Phone talks between Han Duck-soo and Donald Trump signify diplomatic efforts.
- Yoon Suk Yeol was removed following a martial law controversy.
- June 3 set for the next presidential election.
- Political uncertainty raises concerns over US-South Korea relations.
- This situation mirrors previous presidential removals in South Korea.
Seoul, April 8 (NationPress) Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo engaged in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, as reported by his office, marking their inaugural discussions since South Korea was plunged into political chaos due to former President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial martial law episode.
The phone conversation took place four days after South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed Yoon from his position over his brief and contentious martial law declaration in December.
Han's dialogue with Trump concludes a period of political and diplomatic uncertainty for Seoul, as the leadership void has raised concerns regarding possible delays in high-level interactions with its ally during a time when multiple issues need to be addressed with Washington, including Trump's tariffs and North Korea's escalating military threats, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
Earlier that day, the South Korean government officially set June 3 as the date for the upcoming presidential election following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
This decision was announced during a Cabinet meeting, just four days after the Constitutional Court upheld Yoon's impeachment due to his brief martial law imposition in December.
According to the Constitution, the nation must conduct a new election within 60 days of a presidential vacancy.
The government also designated June 3 as a temporary public holiday.
The National Election Commission commenced early candidate registration shortly after Yoon's dismissal last Friday.
All candidates must register by May 11, with the official campaign period commencing on May 12.
Additionally, the law mandates that public servants seeking the presidency must resign at least 30 days prior to the election, setting the resignation deadline on May 4.
The newly elected President will take office immediately after the election without a transition team, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
In a similar instance, when former President Park Geun-hye was ousted on March 10, 2017, the early election also occurred exactly 60 days later, on May 9.
Meanwhile, Yoon, who swiftly ascended from a top prosecutor to the presidency in approximately three years, became the nation's second President to be officially removed from office, with his unexpected martial law attempt creating prolonged national unrest and exacerbating political divisions.
With this ruling, the 64-year-old Yoon follows the path of the former President Park Geun-hye, who was ousted in 2017 when the Constitutional Court upheld her impeachment due to a corruption scandal.
