The leaders of South Korea's ruling and opposition parties have cast their ballots in early voting for next week's general election.

Two days of early voting began on Friday, ahead of the general election next Wednesday. South Korea holds the elections every four years.

Ruling People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon cast his ballot at a polling station in Seoul. The leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, Lee Jae-myung, voted in the central city of Daejeon.

The election is seen as a midterm assessment of the administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has been in office for two years.

The Ruling People Power Party aims to replace the main opposition Democratic Party as the largest force in the parliament.

Both parties are expecting a close contest in about 50 of the 254 single-seat constituencies.

A voter in his 70s in Seoul said he hopes the parliament will be filled with lawmakers who protect people's lives and assets.

A woman in her 30s said parliament should make investments for the future, including fields in which university students can take part.