Supreme Court ruling risks opposition leader’s candidacy while Han and Choi’s resignation elevates education minister
Former Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung (April 30, 2025), former Acting President Han Duck-soo (May 1, 2025), former finance minister Choi Sang-mok (April 27, 2025) and education minister Lee Ju-ho (April 22, 2025) in front of the facade of South Korea's Supreme Court | Image: Democratic Party of Korea, ROK Prime Minister's Office, ROK Ministry of Economy and Finance, ROK Ministry of Education, and ROK Supreme Court, edited by Korea Pro
South Korea’s Supreme Court on Thursday overturned an appellate court’s acquittal of Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on election law charges and remanded the case to the Seoul High Court with instructions consistent with a guilty finding. While Lee remains eligible to run, the ruling increases the likelihood that the High Court will convict him and potentially impose a fine large enough to disqualify him from the June 3 presidential election.
Shortly after the court’s decision, Acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation, paving the way for finance minister Choi Sang-mok to return to the acting presidency. In a nationally televised address, Han strongly implied his intention to run in the upcoming election.
South Korea’s Supreme Court on Thursday overturned an appellate court’s acquittal of Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung on election law charges and remanded the case to the Seoul High Court with instructions consistent with a guilty finding. While Lee remains eligible to run, the ruling increases the likelihood that the High Court will convict him and potentially impose a fine large enough to disqualify him from the June 3 presidential election.
Shortly after the court’s decision, Acting President Han Duck-soo announced his resignation, paving the way for finance minister Choi Sang-mok to return to the acting presidency. In a nationally televised address, Han strongly implied his intention to run in the upcoming election.
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