Millions of South Koreans headed to the polls on Tuesday to vote in a pivotal presidential election, hoping to restore stability after six months of political upheaval triggered by former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law.
The election comes at a crucial time. The incoming president will face the dual challenge of healing a deeply divided society still reeling from the attempted military rule, and steering an export-dependent economy through global uncertainty, especially while shifting protectionist policies from the United States, a key trade and security partner.
By 3 p.m., nearly 69% of the electorate — about 30.5 million voters — had cast their ballots at more than 14,000 polling stations, including unconventional locations such as car dealerships, gyms, and ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) fields, according to the National Election Commission.
“I hope the martial law issue is addressed with greater clarity and transparency,” said Kim Yong-Hyun, a 40-year-old voter in Seoul. “There are still unanswered questions, and they need to be resolved.”
Turnout slightly surpassed that of the 2022 presidential election at the same time of day. Polls are scheduled to close at 8 p.m. local time (1100 GMT), following a robust early voting turnout where over one-third of South Korea’s 44.39 million eligible voters participated.
Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung called the election “judgment day” for his conservative opponent Kim Moon-soo and the People Power Party, accusing them of enabling the failed martial law attempt and defending former president Yoon.
“Only six golden hours remain to save South Korea from the establishment’s greed,” Lee posted on Facebook, urging citizens to vote.
Both Lee and Kim have promised reforms, acknowledging that South Korea’s current political and economic frameworks are outdated. Their policy platforms share similarities in promoting innovation and technology. However, Lee champions social equity and expanded support for low- and middle-income families, while Kim emphasises deregulation and minimising labour unrest to support business growth.
Still, the dominant issue shaping the vote has been the failed martial law attempt — a decision that has cast a long shadow over both parties. Kim, who served as labor minister under Yoon, has fiercely defended his record while attacking Lee’s leadership style, calling him a dictator and warning against unchecked political power.
“I and the People Power Party will do our best to save livelihoods and revive the economy,” Kim wrote on Facebook.
Both candidates voted early, while Yoon and his wife cast their ballots quietly on election day, avoiding reporters.
Voters expressed hope for unity and recovery. “The economy has worsened since December 3, I hear it from everyone,” said 81-year-old Kim Kwang-ma. “We’ve become so divided. I hope the next leader can help us come together again.”
Lee led Kim by 14 percentage points in a Gallup Korea poll released a week before the election, though Kim had narrowed a larger gap since the campaign began on May 12.
Exit polls from major TV networks are expected immediately after polls close, with official results possibly following in the early hours of Wednesday. In 2022, Lee conceded to Yoon around 3 a.m. in one of South Korea’s tightest races.
With the presidency vacant since Yoon’s impeachment and removal in April, the winner is expected to be inaugurated within hours of the final result. The National Election Commission is set to certify the outcome on Wednesday.