South Korea held its presidential election on March 3, with polling stations closing at 8 PM local time, followed by the counting of votes expected to be completed by 6 AM on April 4. As this election was held early, the new president will assume office directly, with an inauguration ceremony scheduled in the National Assembly on April 4.

According to the Korea Herald, over 44.39 million voters were eligible to vote, with approximately 15.42 million having completed early absentee voting. After polling stations closed at 8 PM, ballot boxes were escorted to counting stations to begin the counting process. The Central Election Commission of South Korea indicated that preliminary results could be available around midnight, with all counting expected to conclude by 6 AM on April 4.

This election showed a significant lead for Lee Jae-myung, the candidate from the largest opposition party, with a support rating of 49%, greatly surpassing his opponent Kim Moon-soo, who stands at 35%. As of the latest results, Lee Jae-myung leads with a vote rate of 48.3%, compared to Kim Moon-soo's 43.5%. Notably, this election took place while the presidential seat was vacant, meaning the new president will take office immediately after the inauguration ceremony in the National Assembly located in Yeouido, Seoul.

The new president's key tasks will involve addressing economic and security challenges, easing tensions between conservative and progressive factions, and resolving social conflicts.