The race for the presidency in South Korea intensified this week as the acting leader, Han Duck-soo, announced his resignation amid speculation he plans to run in next month’s election, just as a surprise court ruling dented the candidacy of opposition front-runner Lee Jae-myung.
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Han stepped down from his post on Thursday, and is expected to launch his campaign for the June 3 snap election, amid criticism for allegedly exploiting his position for electoral advantage.
The 75-year-old veteran administrator ended weeks of speculation with his announcement, which comes amid ongoing political turbulence following the impeachment of former conservative president Yoon Suk-yeol.
“I have stepped down from my role as acting president and prime minister,” Han said in a written statement. “I do so to take on a heavier responsibility and help steer the nation through its current crisis.”
Han assumed the acting presidency after Yoon was ousted in December for attempting to impose martial law, which the court ruled unconstitutional.
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With Han’s departure, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok was to serve as acting president in accordance with succession laws, but Choi also stepped down, as the opposition-controlled National Assembly moved to impeach him. Consequently, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho will take over as acting president.