Will South Korea's Early Voting for the Presidential Election Achieve Record Turnout?
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Synopsis
As South Korea gears up for its pivotal presidential election, early voting has seen unprecedented engagement, with over 12 million voters participating. The stakes are high as candidates intensify their efforts to sway undecided voters amidst a backdrop of political instability. What does this mean for the future of the nation?
Key Takeaways
- Unprecedented Early Voting: Over 12 million ballots cast.
- Record Turnout: 27.17% participation by 1 p.m. on last day.
- Political Turmoil: Election follows months of instability after Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid.
- Candidates' Strategies: High turnout considered beneficial for campaigns.
- Final Push: Candidates intensifying efforts to influence undecided voters.
Seoul, May 30 (NationPress) The national election commission reported that over 12 million voters have participated in early voting for the upcoming South Korean presidential election, as candidates intensify their campaigns to attract undecided voters. The turnout reached 27.17 percent by 1 p.m. on the second and final day of early voting for the June 3 election, marking the highest turnout for this timeframe since the introduction of the early voting system in 2014.
Approximately 44.3 million voters are eligible to vote in this election, which follows months of political turmoil stemming from former President Yoon Suk Yeol's unsuccessful attempt to implement martial law.
Both Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung and People Power Party (PPP) candidate Kim Moon-soo have been actively encouraging voter participation during the early voting period, asserting that higher turnout favors their respective campaigns in this competitive three-way race, which also includes Lee Jun-seok from the minor conservative New Reform Party.
On Friday, DP's Lee has planned visits to Chuncheon and Wonju in Gangwon Province, followed by campaign rallies in Chungju in North Chungcheong Province. This marks his inaugural trip to Gangwon during the official campaign period.
Both Gangwon and North Chungcheong Provinces are areas where Lee was defeated by then-candidate Yoon Suk Yeol in the previous presidential election, according to reports from Yonhap news agency.
In a final effort to connect with voters, PPP's Kim embarked on a 90-hour non-stop campaign tour across the nation. His campaign kicked off in Gapyeong, Icheon, and Yeoju in Gyeonggi Province.
Kim will also visit Chungju, Jecheon in North Chungcheong, and return to Wonju and Chuncheon in Gangwon. Earlier, during a public address at the PPP's headquarters, he urged voters to prevent Lee from assuming office.
"To revive the economy, we must halt Lee Jae-myung," he stated. "If we don’t stop him now, our economy may face irreparable damage for years to come."
The most recent poll, released on Wednesday, indicates that DP's Lee is leading with 49.2 percent support, followed by PPP's Kim at 36.8 percent, and Lee Jun-seok with 10.3 percent.
Point of View
The current early voting turnout reflects a significant public engagement in South Korea's democratic process. The heightened participation amid political strife indicates a critical moment for voters to express their preferences and influence the future direction of the country. It is essential for citizens to remain informed and active as they navigate this crucial electoral landscape.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of early voting in South Korea?
Early voting allows citizens to participate in elections at their convenience, reflecting their engagement and ensuring higher voter turnout.
How many candidates are running in the South Korean presidential election?
There are three main candidates: Lee Jae-myung from the Democratic Party, Kim Moon-soo from the People Power Party, and Lee Jun-seok from the New Reform Party.
What were the recent polling results for the candidates?
The latest poll shows Lee Jae-myung leading with 49.2 percent, followed by Kim Moon-soo at 36.8 percent, and Lee Jun-seok at 10.3 percent.
