South Korea conducted a high-stakes presidential election on Tuesday to put behind the shock of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived declaration of martial law. His move, announced on December 3, created a six-month political crisis, resulting in his impeachment and ouster on April 4. Citizens now wish to bring stability, alleviate sharp political polarization, and rekindle an economy that has suffered from global protectionism, particularly from the US.
South Korea’s democratic reputation was also battered, and people now yearn for a reboot. Front-runner Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party takes conservative Kim Moon-soo by a hair in a race defined by messages of unity, reform, and accountability.
Large Turnout Despite Crisis Fatigue
Polls opened at 6 am and will close at 8 pm with over 14,000 voting stations around the country. Enthusiasm at the beginning propelled turnout. More than a third of the 44.39 million eligible voters have already voted early. A total of 8.1 million people — about 18% of the voting population — had voted by 11 am Tuesday. Exit polls conducted by big TV networks will be announced after polling hours.
Ballots are going to be counted using machines and verified by hand. The National Election Commission will make the results official on Wednesday. The new President will be sworn in right away, as the post has been empty since Yoon was ousted.
Rival Visions for a Divided Country
Lee and Kim wrapped up their three-week campaigns with closing rallies in Seoul. Lee promised equality and support for poorer families, while Kim vowed business deregulation and fewer labour conflicts. Their economics are similar, driven by tech, but their politics are not. Lee called the election “judgment day” against Kim’s People Power Party.
He accused them of protecting Yoon Suk Yeol amid the attempt at martial law. Kim Moon-soo, Yoon’s previous labour minister, retaliated by calling Lee a “dictator” and threatening that his party would misuse legal authority.
Public yearns for Unity and Economic Relief
Voters indicate the nation needs to heal. Most blame the December crisis for exacerbating livelihoods and social trust. “The economy has deteriorated so much since December 3,” said 81-year-old Kim Kwang-ma. “We have become so divided. and I wish we could agree.” Lee had a 14-point lead in a Gallup Korea survey last week.
That lead diminished since the campaign started on May 12. In 2022, Lee was defeated by less than 1 percentage point. This time, he might receive the redemption he desires — and the mandate South Korea so badly needs.