Seoul: South Korea’s interim president, Han Duck-soo, submitted his resignation on Thursday, hinting at his candidacy in the presidential election scheduled for June 3. Han announced his decision during a press conference held today at the government complex in Seoul, ending weeks of speculation about whether he would run in the presidential race that resulted from the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Han expressed his thoughts, stating, “After considering the weight of responsibility I bear at this grave time, and after long and deep reflection on whether such a decision is correct and inevitable, I have decided that if this is the only path, I must take it.” The agency reported that Han was expected to announce his presidential candidacy tomorrow, Friday.

With Han’s resignation, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Choi Sang-mok will take over as interim president.