[Report] "With the Desire to Save the Country"... Presidential Election Open Run from Early Morning

Citizens Participate in the 21st Presidential Election
"I've Been Waiting Since 5:30 a.m."
Hopes for "Leadership for the People"

Around 6 a.m. on June 3, about 20 people were waiting to vote at the Jongno 1, 2, 3, and 4-dong Community Centers in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

Park Hosun (67), the first person to finish voting, said, "I have been waiting since 5:30 a.m.," and added, "I feel refreshed, as if I have properly exercised my right as a citizen." Yoon Hwayoung (80) said, "I wanted to be the first to enter when the polling station officially opened, but when I arrived, I was the seventh," and added, "I am over 80 years old now, and I hope our society will become one that helps elderly people like me."

Citizens waiting to vote at Jongno 1, 2, 3, and 4-dong Community Centers before 6 a.m. Photo by Lee Eunseo

Some voters felt a sense of tension in the quiet atmosphere of the polling station. Song (52) said, "This is my fourth time voting here, but this time, everyone seems serious, and there is a silent tension in the air." Song added, "It feels like the country still has a long way to go, so even after voting, it doesn't feel like my task is finished. I hope the person elected will have the leadership to work for the country, for the people, and for the national interest, rather than for power."

Some people came to the polling station with the help of a walker or with assistance from poll workers, motivated by a desire to save the country. Jang Sunok (90), who arrived with a walker and beads of sweat on her nose, said, "I came because the country feels unstable and in crisis, and I want to help save it." Lee Honggeun (78), who used crutches, said, "Whether it was 50 years ago or now, society seems to lack conscience, and sometimes I feel bitter and angry. I hope this country will become one where people show through their actions, not just words, that common sense can prevail."

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Voters unanimously agreed that addressing the hardships of everyday life is the most important issue. Kim (87) said, "I don't understand difficult words, but I hope this society will take good care of ordinary people. As long as young people have stable jobs and my grandchildren do well, that's enough." Park Suwon (51) said, "I focused my vote on who could really save the country. Politics can only function if people's lives are stable, so I hope the new leader will take good care of people's livelihoods." Lim Heonjong (80) said, "All the small businesses on the streets have 'for rent' signs. I hope relations with Trump and diplomatic affairs are handled well, so that people's livelihoods can improve."

Voters hope for a country where common sense prevails and harmony is achieved. Jung Hwayoung (83) said, "Rather than power struggles, I hope we become a society where people think of our country first with a fair mind. The nation must exist for the people to exist, and politicians only exist because of the people." Kim Jinsook (78) said, "I hope not only the people but also those in power will uphold the Constitution and not interpret the law as they please. For the sake of young people, I hope we can keep what needs to be kept, make mutual concessions, and achieve harmony."

According to the National Election Commission, as of 9 a.m. on June 3, the voter turnout for the 21st presidential election was provisionally tallied at 9.2%. Between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., 4,093,625 out of a total of 44,391,871 eligible voters cast their ballots. This is 1.1 percentage points higher than the turnout at the same time during the 20th presidential election in 2022, which was 8.1%. Voting will end at 8 p.m.