Millions of South Koreans headed to the polls on Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by the dramatic impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, following his controversial attempt to impose martial law late last year.

The vote comes amid deep political divisions, with opposition leader Lee Jae-myung emerging as the frontrunner. His main challenger, Kim Moon-soo, a former cabinet member under Yoon and the ruling party’s candidate, is trailing in most opinion polls.

The election was called after Yoon’s brief but highly controversial martial law declaration in December sparked mass protests and months of political upheaval. 

Lawmakers moved swiftly to impeach him, marking one of the most turbulent periods in the country's recent democratic history.

Tuesday’s vote will determine not just South Korea’s next leader, but also the direction of a nation grappling with internal discord, economic anxiety, and shifting geopolitical alliances.

The incoming president will inherit a polarised public, businesses increasingly concerned about U.S. trade tariffs, and an unpredictable diplomatic environment under the renewed leadership of Donald Trump in Washington.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 20:00 local time (11:00 GMT), with early results expected within hours.

Source: BBC

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