Early on Tuesday, millions of South Koreans began casting their ballots in a closely watched presidential race. Polls opened at 6:00 a.m. local time across 14,295 polling stations, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s democratic journey.
This election arrives amid economic uncertainty, with youth unemployment hovering around 10% and soaring housing costs gripping major cities. Candidates are racing to win over first-time voters, leveraging social media livestreams and AI-driven chatbots to engage young global citizens.
Security concerns also loom large, as tensions with the DPRK remain on the agenda. Observers note that debates on defense spending and diplomatic outreach could sway undecided voters, especially in border regions.
Travel-loving digital nomads and international investors are watching closely, too. South Korea’s tech innovation sector, from K-pop virtual concerts to EV startups, could get a boost depending on the incoming administration’s economic policies.
Polls close at 8:00 p.m. local time (1100 GMT), with exit polls expected shortly after. The world waits to see whether the next leader will steer the nation toward bold reforms or opt for cautious continuity.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
