South Korea Elects New Leader After President’s Impeachment

South Koreans headed to the polls on Tuesday to elect a new president in a snap election triggered by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk Yeol, following his imposition of martial law and the deployment of troops to parliament.

The controversial move, widely condemned at home and abroad, led to Yoon’s removal from office and has thrown the ruling conservative People Power Party into crisis.

Polling stations opened early, with high voter turnout expected. Over a third of registered voters had already cast their ballots during early voting. The election is being seen as a referendum on the conservative government’s leadership, particularly in light of recent events.

Liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party is leading in most opinion polls, significantly ahead of his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo.

Analysts suggest the election’s outcome may not only determine leadership but also signal public sentiment regarding the future of conservative politics in South Korea, which has been tarnished by two presidential impeachments in less than a decade.

In contrast to regular elections, the winner will assume office immediately after the results are certified by the National Election Commission, ending months of interim governance. The vote is expected to shape the country’s direction as it emerges from one of the most chaotic chapters in its democratic history.