Park Jiwon Urges Support for Lee Jaemyung to End National Turmoil

Nationwide Early Voting Turnout Hits Record High
"Toward a True Republic of Korea"

On the second day of early voting for the 21st presidential election, May 30, the cumulative nationwide early voting turnout reached the highest level ever recorded for this time of day.

According to the National Election Commission, as of 1 p.m. on this day, the nationwide early voting turnout stood at 27.17%. This is the highest figure ever recorded across all previous presidential and local elections. By region, Jeonnam recorded the highest turnout at 46.52%, with Shinan County reaching an impressive 57.02%, the highest within the province. Additionally, high participation rates exceeding 50% were observed across the southern region of Jeonnam, including Haenam (51.54%), Jindo (52.39%), and Wando (52.36%).

On the last day of early voting, the 30th, Park Jiwon, a member of the Democratic Party, is appealing for support for presidential candidate Lee Jaemyung on the street. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

In relation to this, Park Jiwon, a Democratic Party lawmaker representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in Jeonnam, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "This is an unprecedentedly high voter turnout." He added, "Even Kim Moonsu, the People Power Party candidate who previously raised suspicions about early voting fraud, participated in early voting this time. The public is regarding this election as a fair one."

He continued, "Among the people, there is a strong desire to end the national turmoil through this election and to build a true Republic of Korea." He also said, "Elderly citizens who experienced the 5·18 Democratization Movement are shedding tears, saying, 'This time, change is absolutely necessary.'"

Park appealed for support, saying, "Please unite your support behind candidate Lee Jaemyung for the development of Haenam, Wando, and Jindo and to put an end to the national turmoil."

Meanwhile, early voting will be held from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at over 3,500 polling stations nationwide on this day. Voters can cast their ballots at any early voting station nationwide without prior registration, but must bring valid identification.