South Korea's third acting president in five months Lee Ju-ho said on Friday he will ensure stable government ahead of a June 3 snap presidential election, following the quick-fire resignations of the prime minister and finance minister.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been mulling whether to run for election, while the main opposition candidate and front-runner suffered a setback in court.

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's third acting leader in five months, Lee Ju-ho, is an understated labour economist and education bureaucrat thrust into managing high-stakes trade talks with the United States and a country reeling from political knife fights before a crucial election.