S. Korean interim leader quits, 33 days ahead of early Presidential Election

Also on the political front.

Acting President Han Duck-soo has announced his intentions to step down from his current post.

For more I have our correspondent Oh Soo-young joining me now.

Soo-young welcome.

So what exactly did he say and what does this mean?

Yes, Sunny. Han Duck-soo has bowed out of his position as Acting President and Prime Minister.

In a televised address to the nation, Han said he had made the final decision to resign because he believes there's another task for him to do to help South Korea overcome an economic crisis, and a deep political division within the country.

Between the choice of continuing to fulfil his current duties, and taking on a greater responsibility, he said he decided to step down.

This comes just over a month before the early presidential election, and three days before public officials are required to quit if they wish to run.

This shifts the country's leadership for the fourth time since President Yoon Suk Yeol was suspended from office last year,.. then removed early last month.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok, who took charge while Han went through his own impeachment trial, will once again serve as Acting President.

The new government will take office from June 4th, the day after the election, without a transition team.

Now Soo-young rumours have been rampant about Han's potential participation in the presidential race.

What have you been hearing?

It seems so. Han's expected to announce his candidacy on Friday,.. and launch operations on Saturday, with some of his aides from the Prime Minister's Office joining his campaign.

He's said to have an office ready near the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul.

For weeks, the 75-year-old bureaucrat has reportedly been urged by moderate conservatives in the People Power Party to enter the race.

As the PPP's reputation suffers after former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law and was removed from office, Han is believed to be the most viable counterweight to the majority-holding Democratic Party's candidate Lee Jae-myung, who currently leads the polls.

Those in favor of Han cite his experience as Prime Minister under both liberal and conservative governments, as well as finance minister and ambassador to the U.S.

Critics say Han was part of the impeached administration, and that he should focus on organising a smooth election not running in it.

We'll have to wait and see what lies ahead for Han.

We now have 33 days until voters head to the polls -plenty of time for more surprising twists and turns.

Back to you, Sunny.