Foreign media outlets reporting in real time on S. Korea's presidential election

Meantime, the political events taking place here in South Korea have been making quite a bit of international headlines as well.

Here's our Kim Bo-kyoung.

Those in South Korea are not the only ones eagerly waiting to see who will be the next president.

Many foreign media outlets are reporting on South Korea's presidential election in real time, as they pay close attention to who the next leader might be.

Reuters, said South Koreans were voting "to cap six months of turmoil triggered by a shock martial law by former leader, " and highlighted the challenges new leader would face: a society scarred by the attempt at military rule, and an export-heavy economy reeling from unpredictable protectionist moves by the United States.

CNN, pointed out how significant this election is, to the country. as it has floundered for months with interim leaders that keep changing while navigating Yoon's impeachment trial and an investigation into the short-lived martial law.

It highlighted how voters are most interested in the country's flailing economy and rising cost of living, that were partly caused due to Trump's trade war as it hit South Korea's export-reliant economy hard.

That is why both candidates focused on the economy, CNN said, while underlining other problems such as the demographic crisis and regional tensions that must be tackled as well.

BBC shed light on how some voters are having a dilemma, of whether they would vote or not as neither of the leading candidates are very popular in the polls, while British newspaper Independent focused on high early voting turnout.

Neighboring countries' media outlets, including Japanese broadcaster NHK, and Chinese Xinhua News Agency covered the election, with Xinhua explaining that this snap election is being held due to the failed attempt at martial law by former President Yoon and his subsequent removal from office.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News.