Presidential campaigning kicks off in South Korea

Experts believe the conservatives' infighting has weakened their chances in the election

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SEOUL - Candidates vying to lead South Korea kicked off their official campaigns on May 12 ahead of a snap presidential election to replace the country's impeached former leader, who had been removed over a thwarted martial law bid.

On June 3, South Korean voters will pick a new president, offering closure after months of political turmoil triggered by Yoon Suk Yeol's ill-fated attempt to suspend civilian rule in December.

For 22 days from May 12, the six officially registered presidential candidates will campaign across the country, accompanied by earsplitting blasts of rewritten K-pop songs, with uniformed campaign staff performing choreographed dance moves.

The front runner by a large margin, polls show, is main opposition Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung, with 43 per cent support.

Hundreds of supporters gathered in central Seoul early on May 12 chanting "Lee Jae-myung, president!" as Lee officially kicked off his campaign.