Seoul: South Koreans voted Tuesday to elect a new president, with the nation divided between a liberal candidate aiming to address the forces behind former President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law declaration and a conservative candidate focused on the perceived recklessness of his opponent.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the election is occurring six months after Yoon's unexpected martial law declaration, which brought back memories of past military regimes and led the country into a severe economic and political crisis. By 11 a.m., 18.3 percent, or approximately 8.1 million, of the 44.39 million eligible voters had participated in the election at 14,295 polling stations, as reported by the National Election Commission (NEC).

Voter turnout was notably high for this snap election, with 34.74 percent of registered voters having already participated in early voting on Thursday and Friday, marking the second-highest early voting turnout since its introduction in 2014.

Lee Jae-myung, representing the liberal Democratic Party, focused his campaign on addressing the "insurrection forces" led by Yoon following his impeachment and removal from office less than three years into his presidency. Meanwhile, Kim Moon-soo, from the conservative People Power Party, highlighted Lee's ongoing legal challenges and leadership style, advocating for a future without "dictatorship."

While both leading candidates participated in early voting, other key political figures chose to vote on Election Day. Former President Yoon and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, cast their votes in southern Seoul. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik voted in northern Seoul, expressing hope for the nation to overcome the political "chaos" and transition toward a "democratic society" through this election.