[Report] Disillusioned with Lee Jaemyung and Kim Moonsu vs. Still Trusting the Democratic Party

Some Bitgaram Innovation City Voters: "Voting According to My Convictions"
Not Unconditionally Supporting the Democratic Party... Disillusioned with Established Politics
Mokpo, Jeonnam's Political Stronghold, Citizens Place Trust in the Democratic Party
"Yoon Sukyeol Must Be Held Accountable for Undermining Democracy"

Front view of the 1st polling station in Bitgaram-dong, Naju. Photo by Shim Jinseok

"There is a deep sense of disappointment with established politics. A new change is needed."

At 9 a.m. on June 3, the day the main voting for the 21st presidential election began, in front of the 1st polling station in Bitgaram-dong, Naju, located in the Gwangju-Jeonnam Joint (Naju) Innovation City. Perhaps due to the high early voting turnout in Gwangju (52.12%, 3rd highest nationwide) and Jeonnam (56.5%, highest nationwide) on May 29-30, the polling station was relatively quiet inside.

Nevertheless, a steady stream of citizens who had not participated in early voting continued to arrive. With 16 public institutions, including KEPCO and Korea Rural Community Corporation, having relocated here, and with relatively good living conditions, younger voters stood out in this area, even though Jeonnam is generally struggling with an aging population.

Perhaps for this reason, some voters encountered at the site showed a strong tendency to emphasize their own political convictions rather than offering unconditional support for the Democratic Party, which is deeply rooted in the region's traditional sentiment.

A voter in their 40s, who requested anonymity, said, "Although I live in Jeonnam (Naju), I do not give unconditional support to the Democratic Party like the older generation," and added, "I came to vote for a candidate who can revive the struggling economy, someone who is more realistic."

Another voter in their 30s commented, "I don't want to reveal my thoughts in detail, but I will not vote for either Lee Jaemyung (the Democratic Party's presidential candidate) or Kim Moonsu (the People Power Party's presidential candidate). I do feel a certain level of disappointment with established politicians. That's why this time, I intend to vote for Lee Junseok (the Reform New Party's presidential candidate). I believe he represents the views of the younger generation."

Inside the 2nd Polling Station in Hadang, Mokpo, Jeonnam. Photo by Shim Jinseok

In contrast, a different atmosphere was detected in Mokpo, known as Jeonnam's political stronghold. "Still, the Democratic Party is what we can trust," said voters, expressing unwavering support.

At 11:30 a.m. that day, at the 2nd polling station in Hadang, Mokpo. The polling station was relatively crowded, with elderly voters, people with disabilities, and even young children accompanying their parents to vote. It was confirmed that about 450 people had visited the site since 6 a.m. Considering that the total number of eligible voters here is about 2,000, excluding the early voting turnout, a significant number of citizens had come to the site.

Most citizens here raised their voices about holding the Yoon Sukyeol administration accountable. Their long-standing political inclination to support the Democratic Party also played a role.

Kim Juseong (52), who said he has lived in Hadang, Mokpo for over 20 years, stated, "Even if I don't know about other regions, Mokpo is the hometown of the late President Kim Daejung and the birthplace of the spirit of democracy in Jeonnam, so we have no choice but to support the Democratic Party. Moreover, isn't this election being held because of former President Yoon Sukyeol's unconstitutional emergency martial law? Through this election, we must thoroughly show that democracy is alive."

Another citizen, who introduced themselves as having lived in Hadang for over 30 years, also said, "There are reasons for supporting the Democratic Party. Has Gwangju or Jeonnam received any special benefits just because they support the Democratic Party? Still, I support them because I believe the Democratic Party is a principled, legitimate party. The recent political moves of those called the conservative bloc have truly been intolerable, which is why I came to vote."

The number of eligible voters in Gwangju for this presidential election is 1,194,471, and in Jeonnam, it is 1,559,431.

Meanwhile, according to the National Election Commission, the main voting will end at 8 p.m. on this day, and the ballot counting will begin immediately. It is expected that the outline of the winner will become clear around midnight.