South Korea: Early voting begins for June 3 presidential election
Early voting began on Thursday for South Korea's presidential election scheduled for June 3.
Polls show the election is shaping up to be a showdown between Lee Jae-myung, the candidate of the largest opposition Democratic Party, and Kim Moon-soo, of the conservative ruling People Power Party.
Both candidates were seen casting their ballots in the morning.
A woman in her 20s who visited a voting station in Seoul told NHK she is hoping for a better future for her country. She pointed out that South Korea has many problems that need to be resolved, regardless of who becomes the next president.
The election is being held following the impeachment and ouster of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, for his failed martial law declaration in December last year.
Kim's side has been calling on Lee Jun-seok of the minor conservative Reform Party to field a joint candidate against the main opposition Democratic Party.
Kim said on Thursday that he will keep trying to persuade Lee to agree to an alliance with his People Power Party.
However, the Reform Party candidate has steadfastly refused to accept the proposal.
South Korean media reports say that the chances of a conservative alliance being formed at this late stage of the campaign appear to be very low.
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