SEOUL: South Koreans will elect a new president on Tuesday (Jun 3) to cap six months of turmoil triggered by a shock martial law briefly imposed by former leader Yoon Suk Yeol, which marred the country’s reputation as a vibrant, if at times chaotic, democracy.
The new leader will face the challenge of rallying a society deeply scarred by the attempt at military rule and an export-heavy economy reeling from unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States, a major trading partner and a security ally.
Turnout is expected to be high with polls opened until 8pm (7pm, Singapore time) following early voting on Thursday and Friday, when more than a third of the 44.39 million eligible voters cast their ballots.
Both liberal frontrunner Lee Jae-myung and his conservative rival Kim Moon-soo have pledged change for the country, saying the political system and economic model set up during its rise as a budding democracy and industrial power are no longer fit for purpose.
Their proposals for investment in innovation and technology often overlap, but Lee advocates more equity and help for mid-to-low-income families, while Kim has campaigned on giving businesses more freedom from regulations and labour strife.
