Three terrestrial broadcasters and JTBC predict different outcomes

Officials with the ruling Democratic Party of Korea cheered with joy upon release of exit poll results that hinted at a tight race between its presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Suk-yeol of the main opposition People Power Party. Upon release of results from a joint exit poll by KBS, MBC and SBS, Democratic Party officials screamed in joy and chanted Lee‘s name loudly at a situation r...

South Korean on Wednesday voted to elect their next president in places as disparate as coffee shops, car dealerships and an indoor traditional Korean wrestling ssireum field. According to the National Election Commission, polling stations are normally set up in schools, community centers and government offices, but if the commission cannot find a suitable place, they can also be installed in ot...

Polls closed for regular voters around the country at 6 p.m. Now it’s time for those who have contracted COVID-19 or are under home quarantine to cast their ballots to elect the next president of South Korea. The National Election Commission plans to wrap up this special voting process at 7:30 p.m., but it may take longer, depending on how many of the 1.16 million COVID-19 patients and self-isol...

When will the winner of today’s presidential election become clear? Probably around 1 a.m. Thursday, according to the National Election Commission on Wednesday. At 7:30 p.m., which is when polls will close nationwide, exit poll results will be released by major broadcasters. According to the Korean Broadcasters Association Wednesday, MBC, KBS and SBS will announce the results of their joint su...

“Squid Game”-like, "unlikable" and “the nastiest” in recent history are some of the phrases that foreign media outlets have used to describe South Korea’s presidential showdown. Following is a compilation of quotes from major news outlets. “Shamans, Hitler and mutual hatred: South Koreans go to polls in rancorous election” -- The Guardian “Both candidates’ disapproval ratings matched their pop...

The winner of the 20th presidential election, expected to be announced early Thursday, will be provided with the same protective security and escort services as the incumbent president immediately upon victory. According to the Presidential Security Service on Wednesday, the office has already assembled a team to provide protection for the president-elect, his or her spouse and directly related ...

Decentralizing resources from Greater Seoul touted as solution to alarming demographic trend

Lee Jun-seok, chairman of the People Power Party, continued fanning the “gender war,” claiming women are less likely to vote than men. “Some surveys show women have less intention to vote compared to men. They may show systemized movements online, but it is difficult to say that (the movements) lead to actual voting,” Lee said on a radio show Monday. When asked about his party’s candidate Yoon ...

Minors hope to make a difference as they join the electorate

Voters flock to polling stations to choose lesser evil in election marked by disapproval

The coverage on this blog has ended. For more updates, results and news on South Korea’s presidential election, visit www.koreaherald.co.kr. -- Ed. Yoon Suk-yeol elected president of S. Korea As Koreans head to the polls to elect their next president, here’s a quick look at the vote by key numbers. ► 14 : Number of names printed on the ballot paper Although the race has come down to dead he...

Pandemic shows the importance of competent state leadership, says one voter

South Korea’s Public Official Act states that no one shall take a photo of a ballot inside a voting booth, a violation of which can lead to up to 2 years in prison or a 4 million won ($3,237) fine. But taking a photo of oneself outside the polling station with a thumbs up or a victory sign is OK, and can be shared on social media. Singer and TV personality Kim Hee-chul posted a photo of himself...

As Koreans head to the polls to elect their next president, here’s a quick look at the vote by key numbers. 14: Number of names printed on the ballot paper Although the race has come down to dead heat between the two frontrunners, representing the main parties of the left and right wings, it started off with 14 candidates registered. Two dropped out, leaving 12 still running. 27: Length of the...