After half a year of political turmoil, uncertainty and division, South Korea is voting for a new president to succeed Yoon Suk Yeol, the disgraced former leader who plunged the democratic nation into chaos by declaring martial law in December.

South Korea's presidential election nears with Lee Jae-myung leading in polls, facing criticism for heightened security measures.

On average, South Korean women are paid 31% less than men, the widest gap in the developed world. They hold less than one-fifth of legislative seats, just three of the government’s 29 top positions and 14.6% of senior corporate management roles (the average among wealthy nations is 33.8%). All six presidential candidates are men.