South Koreans cast votes for new president to succeed Yoon after his ouster over martial law declaration

South Korea is in the midst of a high-stakes election as millions of voters head to the polls to choose a new president following the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon, a conservative, is facing trial on rebellion charges for his martial law declaration in December. The main contender in this snap election is Lee Jae-myung, Yoon’s liberal rival, who is expected to win due to public dissatisfaction with the conservatives in the aftermath of Yoon’s controversial actions.

The conservative candidate, Kim Moon Soo, has been struggling to attract moderate swing voters as his People Power Party grapples with internal divisions over Yoon’s actions. The election has been marked by large protests both in support and against Yoon, reflecting the deep divisions within the country.

The winner of the election will be sworn in immediately on Wednesday for a full five-year term without the usual two-month transition period. The new president will inherit a range of challenges including a slowing economy, tensions with China and North Korea, and the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

Voter turnout has been high, with over 13 million people casting their ballots by early afternoon. Last week’s two-day early voting period saw another 15 million voters participate, bringing total turnout to 65.5%. With 44.4 million eligible voters in South Korea, the outcome of the election is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s future direction.

Lee has called on voters to make a decisive choice against the conservatives, framing the election as a battle for democracy and human rights. He has pledged to revitalize the economy, reduce inequality, and bridge national divisions. In contrast, Kim has warned against giving Lee excessive power and has accused him of seeking to establish a dictatorship akin to Hitler’s regime.

The election results are expected to be announced late on Tuesday, with the winner taking office immediately. The new president will have to navigate a complex set of challenges both domestically and internationally, with the outcome of the election shaping South Korea’s future trajectory.