When Does Early Voting for South Korea's Presidential Elections Start?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
As South Korea gears up for its presidential elections, early voting has commenced, allowing voters to make their choice for a new leader. With significant security measures in place, the election is set to be a pivotal moment for the nation. Join us as we delve into the candidates and what this election means for South Korea.
Key Takeaways
- Early voting commenced at 3,568 polling stations.
- The voter turnout by 8 a.m. was 2.24 percent.
- Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung leads in the polls.
- Security measures include 6,400 police officers for ballot transport.
- The election will determine a new president for South Korea.
Seoul, May 29 (NationPress) The early voting phase for South Korea's presidential election commenced on Thursday across 3,568 polling locations nationwide. This event marks a pivotal moment as voters prepare to select a new leader following the ousting of former President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful martial law attempt.
Voting kicked off at 6 a.m. and is set to conclude at 6 p.m. on Friday, as per the National Election Commission (NEC).
By 8 a.m., the voter turnout was recorded at 2.24 percent.
At present, six candidates are in the race for the presidency, according to a report by Yonhap news agency.
The most recent poll released on Wednesday indicated that Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung is leading with 49.2 percent, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party at 36.8 percent. Lee Jun-seok from the minor New Reform Party is in third place with 10.3 percent.
The next president will serve a single five-year term starting immediately after the election.
Lee from the DP plans to cast his vote at 10 a.m. on Thursday in Sinchon, western Seoul, while Kim is expected to vote in Incheon's Gyeyang district as part of his campaign.
In a bid to enhance security, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on Wednesday that it will deploy approximately 6,400 armed officers to assist with the transport of ballot boxes for the presidential election set for June 3, aiming to mitigate concerns regarding vote rigging.
The agency will also assign around 6,200 police officers to oversee and patrol 426 early voting sites and 2,260 main voting locations across the capital. Additionally, 1,250 officers will be dispatched to 25 ballot-counting centers to ensure order, as stated in their announcement.
The police will bolster their security measures during early voting on Thursday and Friday, implementing the highest level of security alert on June 3, as per the agency's report.
Point of View
It is crucial for voters to engage thoughtfully with the candidates and their policies. The upcoming leadership will play a vital role in shaping South Korea's future, and it is our duty to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the early voting?
The early voting runs for two days, starting from 6 a.m. on Thursday and concluding at 6 p.m. on Friday.
How many candidates are running for president?
Currently, there are six candidates contesting for the presidential office.
What measures are being taken to ensure election security?
Approximately 6,400 armed police officers will be mobilized to assist with ballot transport and maintain order at polling stations.
When will the next president take office?
The next president will begin their five-year term immediately following the election.
What is the current voter turnout?
As of 8 a.m. on the first day of early voting, the voter turnout has been recorded at 2.24 percent.
