Less disliked candidate, one more vote... "Still no one I want to choose"

At Seoul Station, Express Bus Terminal, and Other Locations, Listening to 2080 Voters on the Way Home
Many Have Not Yet Chosen a Candidate Due to Personal and Family Risks

On the 28th, one day before the Lunar New Year holiday, travelers including those returning home are boarding trains at Seoul Station. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporters Kum Boryeong, Lee Gimin, Kwon Hyunji] Citizens ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday evaluated the presidential election candidates for the March 9 election as "populist." A considerable number also expressed the opinion that "there is no candidate worthy of support." These reactions came from voters in their 20s to 80s whom we met on the 27th, two days before the Lunar New Year holiday, at transit points such as Seoul Station and the Express Bus Terminal, which lead to provincial areas. It was difficult for them to choose a standout candidate due to various risks surrounding not only the candidates themselves but also their families. Even those who had preferred candidates were hesitant to confidently predict a victory, uncertain about what issues might arise in the remaining period.

At the Express Bus Terminal that day, Kwon (32) said, "I still don't really know who to vote for," adding, "I think this is a truly non-preferred presidential election." Although willing to go to the polls, Kwon found it difficult to pick a candidate they liked among several contenders even with about 40 days left until the election. Lee (65), who was waiting for a bus to Suncheon, Jeollanam-do, also said, "I've narrowed it down to about two people but haven't decided yet, and I might vote for the lesser evil," explaining, "After the Lunar New Year, I plan to listen to what people around me say and slowly review the pledges made once the official campaign starts."

◆ Hesitation in Choosing Due to 'Family Risks'

The biggest reason making the choice difficult is the ‘personal and family risks’ of the candidates from the two major parties. Kwon said, "Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party candidate, has big issues like his past criminal record and Hwacheon Daeyu," and added, "Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party candidate, revealed through gaffes about job search apps and housing subscription accounts that he knows very little. Since Yoon has only worked as a prosecutor for a long time, I think his true nature will soon be exposed." Lee has four prior convictions, including penalties for drunk driving and impersonating a prosecutor. The Daejang-dong development during his time as mayor of Seongnam is also under suspicion of preferential treatment. Yoon, after 26 years as a prosecutor, jumped straight into the presidential race but faced public backlash for gaffes such as saying he did not have a house and therefore could not create a housing subscription account, and that job search apps would exist in the future.

Voters also raised concerns about 'family risks.' Lee faces allegations involving his children related to fraudulent admissions, prostitution, and illegal gambling. Yoon is still under scrutiny for his wife Kim Gun-hee’s academic credential forgery and the Deutsche Motors stock manipulation allegations. Kim Su-hyun (43), heading to Daegu for the Lunar New Year holiday, pointed out, "Not only the candidates themselves but also their families make me feel like 'they are all the same person'."

The desire for 'regime change' was somewhat stronger than for 'regime maintenance.' The main reason was skepticism toward the Moon Jae-in administration. Jeong Moon-chang (68), residing in Busan, said, "I will vote for Yoon because I dislike the Moon Jae-in administration and the Democratic Party candidate." Changhak (27), a job seeker, also explained, "I think liberal democracy is regressing under the current government, so regime change is necessary," adding, "I also dislike the double standards of the current administration, so I support Yoon."

◆ "Solve Livelihood and Real Estate Issues"

Self-employed individuals emphasized 'livelihood' rather than mentioning specific candidates. They have been hit hardest economically by COVID-19. Yang Sun-young (57), who runs a food sales business near Seoul Station, lamented, "Current sales are less than half of what they were before COVID-19," adding, "Social distancing has lasted over two years now, and if this continues, it will be difficult to keep the business going." Another self-employed person, Lee (26), said, "Restrictions on business hours seem meaningless, and the vaccination certificate and negative test confirmation system (quarantine pass) feel coercive," expressing the hope that "someone would listen to the concerns of self-employed people."

The 2030 generation, either about to marry or newlyweds, prioritized 'solving real estate problems.' Go (35), a corporate employee planning to marry in October this year, said, "I work in Seolleung, and my fianc?e works in Jamsil, so we are looking for a house in Seoul, but even the outskirts of Seoul are expensive, and there are many loan restrictions, making it difficult to find a newlywed home despite the intention to live there. Since the Moon Jae-in administration, housing prices have skyrocketed, making it hard to buy or even rent, and with interest rates continuing to rise, I am very worried. We need someone who can solve this problem."