After months of political turmoil, South Koreans will head to the polls Tuesday to elect a president to succeed disgraced former leader Yoon Suk Yeol, who was ousted from office over his ill-fated decision to impose martial law in December.

South Koreans began turning out in record numbers for early voting on Thursday in the country's snap presidential polls set to take place next week, election commission data showed, as both of the leading candidates cast their ballots.

South Korea’s presidential race has devolved into personal attacks and petty disputes, drowning out meaningful policy debate after Yoon Suk Yeol was ousted over his martial law fiasco