South Korean justice overturned the acquittal of the communist Lee Jae-myung

South Korea is experiencing a deep political crisis following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, triggered by his failed attempt to impose martial law in December to control a difficult situation in the Asian country. 

Since then, the country has been governed by a succession of interim presidents, a situation that has caused instability amid serious economic challenges, including pressure from U.S. tariffs.

The early presidential election on June 3 is shaping up to be crucial for restoring political order, but it has been shaken by a series of legal and political events that cast doubt on the eligibility of the main candidate.

On May 1, South Korea's Supreme Court overturned a previous acquittal of the communist opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, for having violated the electoral law during his 2022 presidential campaign.

The Court determined that Lee made false claims with enough impact to mislead voters about his suitability for public office. The case was referred to an appeals court, which could issue a conviction that would disqualify him from running for public office for five years if it imposes a prison sentence or a fine exceeding one million won (about 700 dollars).

Although the Supreme Court acted swiftly, the new judicial process is unlikely to conclude before the elections. This would allow Lee to remain a candidate, even if he is ultimately convicted, as he could appeal the sentence.

However, his credibility and electoral campaign will be severely affected, especially among moderate voters, who make up about 10% of the electorate.

Lee's party, the leftist Democratic Party, condemned the judicial decision calling it "electoral interference," while the conservative People Power Party celebrated the ruling and demanded that Lee withdraw his candidacy.

Despite the judicial accusations, which include other corruption cases, the latest polls show that Lee leads with 38% of the vote intention, far ahead of his conservative rivals Han Dong-hoon (8%) and Han Duck-soo (6%). This could put South Korea in a position close to North Korea. 

Meanwhile, the interim government has suffered new upheavals. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who was acting as president since Yoon's ousting, resigned on the same Thursday, hinting at his intention to run as a candidate in the elections.

His intended replacement, Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok,also abruptly resigned after a parliamentary impeachment process was restarted against him for decisions made during his previous term as interim president.

In light of this double resignation, the interim presidency fell to Education Minister Lee Ju-ho, 64 years old, who assumed the position at midnight on Thursday. Lee, an economist and former professor, was appointed minister in 2022 by Yoon and had already held that position under a previous conservative administration.

After assuming the interim presidency, he ordered the military alert to be raised and called for ensuring "fair and orderly" elections.

Meanwhile, former President Yoon Suk Yeol faces multiple and unfair judicial processes. In addition to his trial for alleged insurrection, he was recently charged with abuse of power.

The prosecution is also investigating his wife, Kim Keon-hee, for alleged bribery through a shaman close to the presidential family. If Yoon is found guilty of insurrection, he could face life imprisonment or even the death penalty, although South Korea has maintained a de facto moratorium on executions since 1997.

The South Korean political context is at an exceptionally volatile moment. The series of resignations, trials, and electoral uncertainty puts at stake not only the country's future leadership, but also institutional stability and economic recovery.

Although Lee Jae-myung continues to lead the polls, his political fate hangs by a thread as judicial processes intensify and tensions in the country grow. The June 3 election will be decisive in defining South Korea's course after months of political turmoil.