South Koreans cast early vote in presidential election

South Koreans began early voting Friday ahead of next week's presidential election. Leading liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung from the ruling Democratic Party and main conservative candidate Yoon Suk Yeol from the People Power Party attended polling stations in Seoul and Busan respectively.

Early voters can cast ballots Friday and Saturday at some 3,552 polling stations across the country before the election next Wednesday. There will be 10 special polling stations opening at community treatment centers on Saturday for voters who are receiving medical treatment for COVID-19.

Voters who are infected with COVID-19 or self-quarantining can also cast ballots at temporary polling booths prepared for them during the 1-hour window from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Pre-election surveys show a very close race between Lee and Yoon.