On Tuesday, millions of South Koreans will cast their votes in a SNAP election following the removal of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, who is facing trial related to a rebellion against a brief martial law declaration, is in the spotlight as the election unfolds.
In the lead-up to this election, liberal rival Lee Jae-myeon seems to have gained traction, fueled by public discontent with the conservative establishment in the wake of Yoon’s controversial actions. Meanwhile, the main conservative candidate, Kim Moon Su, has found it challenging to engage moderate voters while addressing internal disagreements regarding Yoon’s decisions.
This election is critical, with looming voter concerns tied to regional tensions—particularly worries about China, North Korea, and the United States. In recent months, there have been significant public demonstrations both for and against Yoon, underscoring the polarized atmosphere.
The winner will be inaugurated immediately on Wednesday, serving a five-year term without the usual two-month transition period. The new leader will confront major issues like a faltering economy, trade tensions stemming from former President Trump’s tariffs, and the North Korean nuclear threat.
Polling began at 6 a.m. in over 14,000 locations across the country and will end at 8 p.m., with early projections potentially emerging late at night. As of 2 p.m. local time, more than 13 million votes had been cast, contributing to a turnout of about 65.5% from a total of 44.4 million eligible voters.
Lee, who campaigned vigorously to oust Yoon, called on voters to deliver a “stern and decisive judgment” against the conservatives regarding the martial law declaration. In one of his final speeches, Lee framed Kim’s potential victory as a threat to democracy, claiming it could lead to the erosion of human rights. He promised to address economic inequalities and boost national welfare.
On the other hand, Kim, a former Labor Minister under Yoon, cautioned that a victory for Lee would enable him to consolidate power and possibly retaliate against political opponents, as his party controls Congress. At a recent rally, he warned of a descent into dictatorship, comparing it to Hitler’s regime.
