South Korea’s presidential election will end months of domestic political turmoil, but the winner could change the face of the country’s relationship with the United States.

South Koreans go to the polls on Tuesday in a snap election after ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol was impeached and stripped of office over his abortive martial law declaration.

Following the declaration of martial law in December 2024, Kim made headlines for opposing the impeachment of Yoon Suk Yeol.

South Korea’s presidential frontrunner Lee Jae-myung increased his lead over ruling party nominee Kim Moon-soo, according to the latest opinion poll, another sign that he is well placed to triumph in next week’s election if the conservative vote remains split.