Polls opened early Tuesday across South Korea as millions of citizens began casting their votes to choose a new president. The election commenced at 6:00 a.m. local time and is set to continue until 8:00 p.m. at over 14,000 polling stations nationwide.
This pivotal election was triggered by the removal of former conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol from office following a controversial attempt to declare martial law. The political atmosphere is charged as candidates vie for the nation’s highest office amidst calls for change and stability.
Recent surveys indicate that Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party holds a significant lead with around 50% support. His main rival, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party, trails with approximately 30%. This election is especially critical for Lee, who narrowly lost the 2022 presidential race to Yoon by just 0.73 percentage points.
An early voting period was held from May 29 to May 30, during which 34.74% of the over 44 million eligible voters cast their ballots. The high turnout reflects the nation’s keen interest and engagement in shaping its future leadership.
As the day progresses, South Koreans await the results that will determine the country’s direction and address key issues affecting their daily lives.
