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Over 44 million citizens head to the polls after Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster. Democratic candidate Lee Jae-myung leads in the polls

South Koreans are casting their votes today, June 3, in a snap presidential election called amid deep political unrest. The election follows the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol, ousted after attempting to impose martial law on December 3.

The country remains divided between supporters of Yoon’s actions and critics who blame him for institutional disruption and economic damage. The vote takes place against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions involving North Korea, shifting ties with the U.S., and complex relations with China.

Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost to Yoon in 2022, is leading with 49.2% support according to the latest Yonhap poll. He is followed by Kim Moon-soo of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) with 36.8%. Reform Party’s Lee Jun-seok is polling just above 10%.

Lee concluded his campaign in Seongnam, where he once served as mayor, urging voters to “defend democracy.” Kim began his final day in Jeju Island and ended in Seoul. Both pushed for high turnout, with over 15 million early ballots already cast between Thursday and Friday, amounting to 34.74% turnout.

Since December, South Korea has cycled through three interim presidents. After Yoon’s impeachment, confirmed in April by the Constitutional Court, Prime Minister Han Duck Soo briefly assumed the role, passed it to Choi Sang-mok, reclaimed it, and then resigned in May. The position is now held by Education Minister Lee Ju-ho. Yoon, who left his party, faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

Polling stations — 14,295 nationwide — will close at 8 p.m. local time (1 p.m. in Italy), under the watch of over 28,500 police officers. The candidate with the most votes will serve a five-year term. Despite women making up nearly half of the electorate in the country of 52 million, none of the leading contenders are female.

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