I cover a wide range of stories about Korean society — one of the most dynamic places in the world. To me, journalism means being on the ground, uncovering untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices, especially in an era when AI is reshaping the media landscape. That’s why I’m always here to listen. Tips and stories are welcome — feel free to reach out via email. Before becoming a journalist, I traveled through 24 countries over 702 days, served two years as a military police officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force and later studied filmmaking at the Korea National University of Arts.
Back-to-back leadership shifts leave Koreans reeling
Acting President Lee Ju-ho, left, enters a Cabinet meeting with the Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination Bang Ki-sun at Government Complex Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
By Park Ung
Public stunned to see education minister lead nation
In the American drama “Designated Survivor,” the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development unexpectedly assumes the presidency after 12 officials ahead of him in the line of succession are wiped out.
A less dramatic but equally surreal scenario unfolded in Korea on Friday, though the presidential line of succession didn’t make it to No. 13.
On Thursday, former acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo resigned to run for president, while former Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Sang-mok stepped down following an impeachment push in the National Assembly by the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).
Now, with the snap presidential election set for June 3, Education Minister Lee Ju-ho is serving as acting president.
With former President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached last month and the nation’s No. 2 and No. 3 officials no longer in power, South Korea is facing an unprecedented leadership vacuum, intensifying public concerns over the uncertainty of its political future.
“‘Seriously? Even the education minister is acting president now?’ That was my first thought when I saw the news,” Song Hyun-woo, a 26-year-old preparing to become a Navy officer, told The Korea Times.
“Of course, a nation doesn’t collapse overnight, but the government’s failure to act decisively on serious issues has already shaken my confidence. I can’t help but feel deeply uneasy,” he said.
He expressed particular concern about the country’s ability to respond to North Korean provocations, especially with the defense minister position vacant for nearly five months following the resignation of former Minister of Defense Kim Yong-hyun shortly after martial law was declared last year.
Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announces his presidential bid at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Friday. Yonhap
Another citizen expressed concern about the leadership vacuum, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump exerts pressure on the world with tariffs.
“This is already a terrible moment economically. I just don’t understand why it had to come to this,” Choi Jin-young, a 60-year-old retiree in Seoul, told The Korea Times, adding that disillusionment with politics has made him lose faith in the system.
“No matter how much I pay attention to politics, nothing changes, so I’ve stopped caring,” he said. “The country is in crisis, and all I can do is hope we get through it. But honestly, I don’t know what ordinary people like us are supposed to do.”
Online, many were also stunned to see the education minister serving as acting president.
A YouTube clip of him issuing an emergency directive to public officials drew a wave of sarcastic comments.
One read, “The education minister is acting president... seriously, is this even a country?” and racked up more than 1,000 likes.
Others added, “At this rate, we’ll soon see even the local village chief become the leader,” and “This is turning into a complete farce.”
But not everyone viewed the situation as troubling.
Jung, a business executive who has worked in Los Angeles for four years and asked to be identified only by his family name, told The Korea Times that the current leadership vacuum probably won’t have much impact on tariff negotiations with the Trump administration.
“The U.S. keeps changing its stance on tariffs almost every week,” Jung said. “With even America unsure of its position, it hardly matters who handles the talks. Even with a president in office, it probably wouldn’t make much difference.”
Still, he said he has concerns about potential provocations from North Korea.
“I’m not too worried about other issues, but am concerned North Korea could make a move,” he said. "As long as that doesn’t happen, daily life here shouldn’t be seriously affected."