South Koreans are heading to the polls today to elect a new president, amid growing tensions between North Korea, the US, Japan and China.
The election date was brought forward after a corruption scandal brought down their former leader, Park Geun-hye.
Progressive candidate Moon Jae-in is currently leading the opinion polls, with around 40 per cent of the vote over his closest rival, centrist Ahn Cheol-soo.
Security in the region is shaping up as a key concern of the election. Mr Moon is pledging diplomacy over confrontation to dissuade Kim Jong-un’s regime in North Korea from acquiring nuclear weapons.
His main opponent Ahn Cheol-soo, advocates a tougher stance towards North Korea and has backed US involvement in the region.
Political observers are expecting the highest voter turnout in years boosted by an increased turnout by younger voters.
The victor will be announced soon after the polls close at 8pm tomorrow night.
