South Koreans began casting their ballots early this morning in a high-stakes election triggered by the dramatic ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The country is still reeling from Yoon’s surprise move in December 2024 to impose martial law—a decision that stunned the public and sparked fierce protests. Critics called it an overreach of power. The National Assembly quickly responded, voting to impeach him. The Constitutional Court upheld the decision, and Yoon was removed from office soon after.
Today’s vote comes just under the legal deadline, which requires an election within 60 days of a presidential vacancy. The polls opened at 6 a.m. local time and will close at 6 p.m., with early results expected overnight.
There are six candidates on the ballot. But only two are seen as serious contenders: Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party.
Lee, 60, is no stranger to the national stage. A former factory worker and labour activist, he rose through the ranks to become mayor, then governor. He narrowly lost to Yoon in the 2022 election. This time, he’s back with a message of reform and rebuilding trust.
“This election is about choosing a leader who respects the rule of law,” Lee told supporters at his final rally in Incheon. “We must move forward—not back.”
His main rival, Kim Moon-soo, also began his career as an activist but later shifted to the right. Now a seasoned politician with strong backing among older and rural voters, Kim has been trying to position himself as a safe pair of hands.
“I will restore order and pride to our country,” Kim said in a recent televised debate. “We need unity, not chaos.”
The two are battling not just for power—but for public confidence. The political shock from Yoon’s impeachment has left many South Koreans weary.
“I’ve never felt so unsure about politics before,” said Park Hye-jin, a 34-year-old office worker in Seoul. “I just want someone who won’t abuse power.”
The campaign has focused on three major issues: the fallout from the martial law crisis, economic pressures due to fresh U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods, and continued threats from North Korea.
The economy, in particular, has taken a hit. Steel and automobile exports have slowed since Washington imposed higher duties in March, citing trade imbalances.
“South Korea is facing serious external challenges,” said Professor Kim Hyun-woo, a political analyst at Seoul National University. “But the bigger problem is internal—restoring belief in democratic institutions.”
Both Lee and Kim have promised to crack down on corruption, improve transparency, and avoid authoritarian tendencies. Yet, they offer different paths on how to deal with the North.
Lee supports continued dialogue and humanitarian aid. Kim wants to increase military drills and strengthen ties with Washington and Tokyo.
As the polls close and ballots are counted, the nation is watching closely. The winner will be sworn in immediately, without the usual transition period, as required by the constitution in such cases.
South Korea’s new leader will have little time to settle in. The message from voters is clear: steady leadership is needed—urgently.
