[Report] "We Want a President Who Values Common Sense"... Starting the Day with Early Voting

Atmosphere at Seocho-gu and Jongno-gu Polling Stations
Dozens Line Up from 6 a.m.
Early Voting Turnout Hits All-Time High

"I hope a president will emerge who can create a society where justice and common sense prevail."

On the 29th, voters are waiting to vote at Banpo 1-dong Community Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul. Photo by Byun Seonjin

On the first day of early voting for the 21st presidential election, citizens continued to visit early voting stations from early in the morning.

At around 8 a.m. on the 29th, at the Banpo 1-dong Community Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul, a 49-year-old voter surnamed Lee said, "I cast my vote for the candidate whom I believe can overcome this period of ongoing political turmoil and manage state affairs in a stable manner."

At the Jongno 1, 2, 3, and 4-ga Community Center in Jongno-gu, an office worker named Park (41) said, "I decided to vote early because I plan to travel abroad on and around election day." Another voter, Shin Jungyun (29), said, "I stopped by briefly before going to work because I thought it would be crowded on election day."

At both polling stations, about 20 to 30 voters were waiting to vote from 6 a.m. Election officials asked voters whether they were registered in the local district or outside the district before entering the polling station, and provided guidance on how to vote. Voters went through an identification process using their ID cards, received their ballots, and cast their precious votes.

On the 29th, citizens are lining up to vote at the early voting station in Jongno 1, 2, 3, and 4-ga neighborhoods, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choi Youngchan

Although the candidates supported by voters differed, they all voiced the hope for a society where 'common sense and fairness' prevail. Na Okgyun (79), a supporter of Democratic Party candidate Lee Jaemyung, said, "The People Power Party seems to engage in politics for their own interests," and added, "I chose this candidate for the sake of future generations." Seo Jonggwan (71) said, "For people without money, life will be much better if this candidate wins."

Yoon (75), a supporter of People Power Party candidate Kim Moonsu, said, "The fact that candidate Kim, despite having served as a minister and governor, owns only an apartment in Bongcheon-dong made me feel that he is an honest and upright person." Another voter, Oh (73), said, "Of course, number 2 is the obvious choice. I prefer an honest person over a criminal."

There were also voters who chose parties other than the two major ones. Lee Jungmin (29) said, "Neither the Democratic Party nor the People Power Party is responsible for the country's future anymore," and added, "I chose someone who can lead political transformation in South Korea." Yoo (26) said, "Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party candidate, seems to best represent the realistic voice of workers," and added, "Although his chances of winning are low, I wanted to make a choice based on my convictions."

According to the National Election Commission, as of 9 a.m. on this day, the voter turnout stood at 3.55%. This is the highest turnout at this time among all nationwide elections where early voting has been implemented. This figure is 1.41 percentage points higher than the early voting turnout at the same time during the 20th presidential election in 2022 (2.14%), and 1.36 percentage points higher than the turnout at the same time during the 22nd general election in 2024 (2.19%). Early voting will continue for two days until the 30th. Voting is open until 6 p.m., and voters must bring an ID when visiting early voting stations.