Acting President Han Duck-soo of South Korea held his first phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, breaking days of diplomatic silence following the stunning ouster of President Yoon Suk Yeol, whose abrupt imposition of martial law last year plunged the country into political turmoil.
The call marked the first direct communication between the allies since the Constitutional Court last week upheld Yoon’s impeachment, removing him from office just four months after his controversial national security order shocked the public and ignited fierce protests.
Officials in Seoul said the leaders discussed ways to maintain bilateral cooperation amid regional security tensions and economic uncertainty — including fallout from Trump’s protectionist trade policies and North Korea’s ongoing weapons activity.
The leadership vacuum in South Korea had raised concerns in Washington and beyond, with key diplomatic initiatives, including joint military planning and economic talks, potentially stalled. Han, who stepped in as caretaker president following Yoon’s removal, is now tasked with maintaining continuity until a new head of state is elected.
Earlier Tuesday, the South Korean government formally set June 3 as the date for a special presidential election, in line with constitutional requirements mandating a vote within 60 days of a vacancy. That day will also be recognized as a temporary public holiday, officials confirmed.
As South Korea navigates this transition, all eyes will be on the June election — and on how Acting President Han manages relations with the United States in the meantime.
