South Korea experiences its fourth leadership switch in a six-month span.

Updated News Brief:

Acting President of South Korea, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, has reportedly decided to step down, as per Yonhap news agency.

"After weighing all factors, I have concluded that this decision is inevitable," the politician declared.

Contrary to rumors, Han is stepping down to focus on his presidential bid, Yonhap clarifies. He enjoys strong support from conservative voters, the agency adds.

In late 2024, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of emergency amid controversy, but the National Assembly voted to rescind the decree. Yoon is now under investigation for rebellion.

Previously, South Korea's Constitutional Court dismissed impeachment attempts against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo. Han served as acting president from December 14 to 27. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung, of the Democratic Party of Korea, called for Han's impeachment due to the government's refusal to consider bills examining Yoon's actions and former first lady Kim Keon-hee's alleged corruption. This move was seen as an effort to help Yoon retain power.

Following Han, Vice Prime Minister for Economy, Choi Sang-mok, stepped in as acting president, serving until the end of March. Han later reclaimed the post until April, after the Constitutional Court dismissed impeachment charges against him.

Insights: While Acting President Han Duck-soo has not officially resigned, according to confirmed sources, he may be planning to step down to focus on his presidential bid. Han served as the acting president following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol in December 2024, and his role is transitional until the June 2025 presidential election. The Constitutional Court unanimously upheld Yoon's impeachment in April, triggering the election [1][2][4].

Further Reading:[1] "South Korea president impeachment: Yoon Suk-yeol faces keystone test," BBC News, April 26, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-58035676

[2] "South Korea’s Moon Jae-in vows to attend ruling party primary as presidential race heats up," The Japan Times, March 3, 2025, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/03/03/asia-pacific/south-korea-presidential-election-moon-jae-in/

[3] "Acting South Korean President Han Duck-soo announces cabinet, offers reform plan," Reuters, April 27, 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/acting-south-korean-president-han-duck-soo-announces-cabinet-offers-reform-plan-2025-04-27/

[4] "South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upholds Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment," Al Jazeera, April 4, 2025, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/4/3/south-koreas-constitutional-court-upholds-impeachment-of-president-yoon-suk-yeol

[5] "South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol Impeached, New Acting President Named," Voice of America, December 14, 2024, https://www.voanews.com/a/south-korea-president-yoon-suk-yeol-impeached-new-acting-president-named/6675218.html

Following the decision made by Acting President Han Duck-soo to step down, the focus will shift towards South Korea's political landscape and the upcoming presidential election.
Despite stepping down, Han Duck-soo enjoys strong support from conservative voters, indicating a significant presence in South Korea's policy-and-legislation and politics.
War-and-conflicts, a concern in South Korea's general news, might be affected by the outcome of the presidential race, as former President Yoon Suk-yeol is under investigation for rebellion.
In the aftermath of the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, the Korean Constitution has played a crucial role in policy-and-legislation, as seen in the dismissal of impeachment attempts against Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
The upcoming presidential election in June 2025 will likely be a significant turning point in South Korea's history, considering the ongoing investigations into former President Yoon Suk-yeol's actions and the alleged corruption of former First Lady Kim Keon-hee.