NEW DELHI: South Koreans voted on Tuesday in a snap presidential election triggered by months of political unrest and the resignation of former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The early polls come after mass protests, corruption allegations, and a collapse in public trust in the government.

Two main contenders—liberal Lee Jae-myung, who narrowly lost in 2022, and conservative former labour activist Kim Moon-soo—are locked in a tight race. Early voter turnout crossed 68%, signalling high public engagement in the outcome.

Yoon’s surprise resignation in April, following weeks of street protests and political gridlock, plunged the country into uncertainty. His departure came amid anger over economic issues, youth unemployment, and stalled reforms.

Security has been tightened across major cities, with over 70,000 police personnel deployed. The election commission is expected to announce results late Tuesday night.

The election is being closely watched internationally, especially in the context of South Korea’s ties with the US, Japan and China, and rising tensions with North Korea, which has resumed missile tests in recent weeks.