South Korea Presidential Election: Voting Ends, Exit Polls Expected Soon

South Koreans are voting in a presidential election after the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Front-runner Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party are the main candidates. Voting closes at 8 p.m., with exit polls and projections expected soon afterward. The election has major implications for the country, region, and world.

South Koreans are casting their votes today in a pivotal presidential election, following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The election, set to conclude at 8 p.m., is a critical moment for the country, with significant implications for the region and the world.

The election is being held amidst a backdrop of political turmoil, with the removal of Yoon Suk Yeol from office after the Constitutional Court upheld his impeachment. The political climate has been further strained by the tumultuous relationship between South Korea and the United States under the presidency of Donald Trump.

The main candidates in the election are Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party. Lee Jae-myung, the frontrunner, has pledged to create a "real Republic of Korea," focusing on jobs and a fair society. He previously worked in a factory and has a strong working-class base. Kim Moon-soo, a former labor minister, has vowed to boost the economy and is seen as a more centrist candidate compared to Lee.

Economic issues, including the birth rate, Donald Trump's tariffs, and North Korea, are major concerns for voters. The economy dipped in the first quarter of 2025, and increasing growth and spurring consumer sentiments are key priorities. The birth rate, among the lowest in the world, is also a significant issue, as is the matter of dealing with Trump's tariffs. Affordable housing and creating more jobs are also top of the list.

The election has been marred by controversies, with Lee Jae-myung facing legal troubles and Yoon Suk Yeol's defiant stance despite being removed from office. The specter of Yoon continues to hang over the election, with a significant number of people distrusting the Constitutional Court's judgment on him.

After voting concludes, ballots will be counted, and exit polls and projections are expected soon afterward. The National Election Commission will verify the results, and the inauguration of the new president is expected on June 4. The election is a crucial moment for South Korea, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the country's economic and political future.

References:
[1] https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/south-korea-presidential-election-candidates-big-issues-controversies-a-complete-guide-13892803.html