South Koreans are voting today to elect a new president following a period of political turmoil after former President Yoon declared a state of emergency last year. The election is seen as a turning point for the country's democratic future.
Six candidates are on the ballot, but the main contest is between Kim Moon-soo, Yoon's successor from the conservative People Power Party, and Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, which holds a parliamentary majority. Lee, despite facing corruption charges, leads in polls with 49% support compared to Kim's 37%.
Both candidates agree on reducing presidential powers, including limiting emergency declarations and changing term limits. Economic challenges, relations with the US and China, and tensions with North Korea are key issues.
