SEOUL, June 3 (Xinhua) -- After six months of political turmoil, South Korea welcomed the vote for its 21st presidential election on Tuesday.
Outside multiple polling stations in Seoul, from young students to elderly voters, people arrived early to cast their ballots. Some brought their children and came as a family; some pushed wheelchairs carrying senior citizens; while others, even the injured, came on crutches to make their voices heard.
Inside the polling stations, a quiet and solemn atmosphere prevailed. After verifying their identities, voters received their ballots, went into the voting booth to stamp their choices, and then dropped their ballots into the ballot box.
"I hope my vote can help change the country's current chaotic situation," said a young voter named Lee Dong-gyu, as he left the polling station.
Official voting for the presidential election began on Tuesday at 6 a.m. local time and lasted until 8 p.m., with counting starting immediately afterward. Exit polls announced later on Tuesday that Lee Jae-myung of South Korea's majority liberal Democratic Party took a big lead.
Voter turnout for this election has reached 79.4 percent, surpassing the final turnout of the previous presidential election.
On April 4, South Korea's constitutional court upheld the impeachment against former president Yoon Suk-yeol over his botched martial law, leading to his immediate removal from office. By law, the country must hold a new presidential election within 60 days.
Many voters took photos in front of the polling station after casting their votes.
A voter in his 70s, Hwang Yeong-pal, told Xinhua, "Only by electing a truly capable leader who can lead the country forward, ensuring stability and peace, can our descendants have a brighter future."
"Stabilizing the economy" emerged as the buzzword among voters interviewed outside the polling stations.
"South Korea now faces a host of social problems like an aging population and shrinking demographics, but the top priority is resolving the economic crisis. In particular, U.S. President Trump's tariff 'bombs' are hitting South Korea hard," Hwang told Xinhua.
"We ordinary people need a chance to survive, and skyrocketing prices are more devastating than anything else. I hope the newly elected president can truly address these problems and fill the gaps for regular people," Hwang said.
Lee Dong-gyu said his biggest concern is youth employment. "Before voting, I paid close attention to each candidate's promises regarding job creation. It's really tough right now for young people. I hope the economy becomes more stable." ■
