ANKARA

Official campaigning for South Korea's snap presidential election began Monday, allowing candidates to deliver public speeches, distribute leaflets and put up campaign banners, according to local media reports.

The 22-day campaign period for the June 3 election began following the closing of candidate registration Sunday, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The election, triggered by the removal of President Yoon Suk Yeol over his botched martial law bid in December, appears to be a contest between Lee Jae-myung of the liberal Democratic Party (DP) and Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party (PPP).

Lee is currently leading all opinion polls.

According to the National Election Commission, the state election watchdog, a total of seven candidates have made their bids official.

Kim kicked off his official campaign at a traditional market in Seoul, while Lee is set to launch his campaign at Cheonggye Plaza near Gwanghwamun Square in the capital later in the day.

*Writing by Aamir Latif