SEOUL — South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party on Sunday urged acting President Han Duck-soo to promptly announce the date of a snap presidential election, following the Constitutional Court’s ruling to uphold the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Democratic Party Secretary-General Kim Yoon-deok said Han must “swiftly announce the date of the presidential election and declare his political neutrality.”

The call comes two days after Yoon was officially removed from office over his controversial declaration of martial law in December. Under South Korean law, a new presidential election must be held within 60 days of the court's decision.

Acting President Han is expected to convene a Cabinet meeting this week to finalize the election date, with June 3 emerging as the most likely option.

"A clear punishment should be handed down to prevent an attempt to overthrow the democratic system in an unconstitutional and unlawful manner," Kim added, referencing Yoon’s actions before his removal.

Rival parties have already begun preparations for the high-stakes vote, with public sentiment sharply divided over Yoon’s impeachment.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, is expected to resign from his party post next week to formally enter the race. Despite facing his own legal issues, Lee continues to lead in early opinion polls. — Agencies