Overview

• Recent polls give liberal Lee Jae-myung about 49 percent support compared to 35 percent for conservative Kim Moon-soo
• Early voting turnout reached 34.74 percent, the second-highest rate since South Korea introduced the system in 2014
• Final campaign rallies saw Lee calling for regional development and reconciliation while Kim warned against unchecked power
• A disputed Jim Rogers endorsement and the start of a dark campaign blackout have drawn attention on the eve of voting
• The election winner will take office June 4 without a transition period and must address US tariff threats and economic recovery