Ballot boxes are being opened in South Korea to choose a new president.

Polling stations in South Korea opened their doors on Tuesday, June 3, to elect a new president, aiming to turn the page on the political unrest the country witnessed six months ago following the former president Yoon Suk-yeol's attempt to impose arbitrary rulings.

In the presidential race, held in a single round, centrist candidate Lee Jae-myung is leading in opinion polls ahead of his conservative rival Yoon Seok-youl, as reported by the French news agency.

Voting began at 6 a.m. (21:00 GMT Monday) and is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. (11:00 GMT), with preliminary election results expected to be announced immediately after polling stations close.

The new president faces significant challenges, including restoring unity in the divided society after the crisis of arbitrary rulings, and reforming the export-dependent economy, which is affected by U.S. trade fluctuations, especially given the unexpected protectionist policies of the United States, South Korea's main trade partner and key security ally.

Both candidates have pledged to lead a radical transformation in the country, stating that "the political system and economic model that prevailed during the democratic transition and industrial rise are no longer suitable" for the current phase.