Each Party Claims “The Public Is on Our Side”
Democratic Party: “Desire to Restore Normalcy in Korea”
People Power Party: “Determination to Block Monstrous Dictatorship”
Reform Party: “A Vote of Disappointment Against Lee Jaemyung”
As projections suggest that the early voting turnout for the 21st presidential election will reach an all-time high, the major presidential candidates are closely monitoring the potential impact on the race. Each camp, interpreting the situation in a way that favors their own side, responded by claiming that their chances of victory have increased. Analysts noted that the heightened voting enthusiasm is a result of the consolidation of each candidate's support base. There are expectations that the Democratic Party of Korea and the Democratic Labor Party will continue to emphasize the election frame of “judgment on insurrection,” while the People Power Party and the Reform Party will persist with the theme of “blocking dictatorship” until the very end of the campaign.
On May 30, the Democratic Party of Korea and the Democratic Labor Party characterized the first day’s early voting turnout?19.58%, the highest ever for a nationwide election?as a “judgment on insurrection.” In contrast, the Reform Party interpreted it as a “vote of disappointment against Lee Jaemyung.” Park Chandae, the Democratic Party’s chief campaign manager, stated at a campaign committee meeting held at the party headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul, “This record was achieved by the earnestness and determination of the people who wish to end the insurrection and restore normalcy to the Republic of Korea.” He added, “Through participation in early voting, we hope to end the insurrection, restore livelihoods, achieve economic growth, and promote national unity.”
On the second day of early voting for the 21st presidential election, May 30, an official is monitoring the real-time early voting status at the Gyeonggi-do Gwacheon Central Election Commission Election Situation Room. 2025.05.30 Photo by Yoon Dongjoo
Kwon Youngguk, the Democratic Labor Party’s presidential candidate, wrote on Facebook on May 29, “This is the result of citizens who long to overcome insurrection and move toward a major social transformation heading to the polls.” He emphasized, “I believe this proves that the desire to overturn inequality and create a nation without discrimination is not misguided.”
Lee Junseok, the Reform Party’s presidential candidate, offered a different analysis. He said, “It seems that voters want to bring an end to the six months of turmoil in Korea as soon as possible.” He also predicted, “I believe there are more future-oriented voters in this election, and my approval rating will rise further.” He added his own interpretation, saying, “Above all, when Lee Jaemyung gives superficial answers in TV debates and tries to lecture me for being young, I believe young voters are disappointed.”
The People Power Party also argued that the record-high early voting turnout would be advantageous for candidate Kim Moonsu. Yoon Jaeok, the party’s chief campaign strategist, stated, “The strong and resolute will of the people to block monstrous dictatorship has resulted in a high early voting turnout,” and evaluated, “Voters who have confirmed who the real candidate is have gone out to vote for Kim.”
Regarding the fact that the early voting turnout was lowest in the conservative stronghold of Daegu and North Gyeongsang (TK) region, it was assessed that this reflects distrust in the early voting system. Jang Donghyuk, head of the central campaign situation room, noted, “Daegu and North Gyeongsang have always had higher turnout in the main vote compared to other regions,” and expressed his expectation, “In the main vote, turnout will exceed the national average, and there will be overwhelming support.”
He also called for solutions to the issue of poor management of early voting. On May 29, after a ballot paper was taken outside from an early voting station in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Jang Donghyuk and People Power Party members of the Public Administration and Security Committee visited the Central Election Commission to inspect the management situation.
The People Power Party plans to maximize conservative voter turnout by emphasizing the theme of “blocking bulletproof dictatorship” during the remaining period, while also aiming to win over centrist voters in the Seoul metropolitan area. A party official from the central campaign headquarters asserted, “Lee Jaemyung, who is involved in the Daejang-dong and Baekhyeon-dong corruption scandals and is on trial, stands in stark contrast to candidate Kim.”
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