South Koreans went to the polls Tuesday to elect a new president, six months after former President Yoon Suk Yeol triggered political chaos by declaring martial law—a move that led to his impeachment and the country’s leadership vacuum.
Voters began casting ballots early in Seoul, with long lines forming at polling stations. Over a third of registered voters had already participated in early voting, according to the National Election Commission.
The leading candidate is liberal Lee Jae-myung, with the latest Gallup poll showing him ahead with 49% support. His main opponent, Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP), trails at 35%.
This election is widely seen as a public referendum on the Yoon administration, which ended in turmoil after armed soldiers were deployed to parliament. Political analysts say the incident not only alienated moderates but also fractured the conservative base.
Lee, representing the Democratic Party, could take office immediately after the vote is ratified—unlike regular elections, which allow for a transition period.
Campaigning is prohibited on election day, but Lee posted on Facebook that the outcome would reflect the will of the Korean people after months of unrest. Voters, like 79-year-old Park Dong-shin, expressed hopes that those behind the martial law declaration would be held accountable.
With security tight and voter turnout expected to be high, many hope this snap election will mark a turning point toward stability and unity.