22-Day Major Clash... Advertising and Street Campaigns Proceed, Party Member Recruitment Does Not

Speech, debates, and use of portable loudspeakers are time-limited... Publication of opinion polls prohibited from 6 days before election

On the 15th, the official start date of the campaign for the 20th presidential election, banners of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, and Ahn Cheol-soo, the People’s Party presidential candidate, were hung at the Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station intersection in Seoul. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Kyunghwan] With the official presidential election campaign underway, loudspeaker rallies have appeared on the streets, and advertisements featuring each candidate are now allowed on TV and radio. Voters, except on election day, March 9, can also directly appeal for support for a specific party or candidate in person or by phone.

According to the National Election Commission on the 15th, candidates who have completed registration for the presidential election can campaign using sashes, upper garments, badges, and other accessories from this day until the day before the election. On this day, each ruling and opposition presidential candidate also appeared at campaign sites wearing sashes.

From this day until March 7, two days before the election, candidates can post up to 70 newspaper advertisements regarding their party’s platform, policies, political views, fundraising, and other promotional matters. TV and radio advertisements are also allowed until March 8, with a limit of 30 times per broadcaster, each lasting no more than one minute. Broadcast speeches by candidates and speakers are limited to 11 times per TV or radio station, each lasting no more than 20 minutes, from this day until March 8.

Street rallies, considered the highlight of official election campaigns, will also take place. Candidates can give speeches or hold discussions in public places using campaign vehicles and loudspeakers. Party representatives and celebrities are also allowed to appear starting today. It is permitted to record and broadcast promotional videos of candidates, and campaign staff and volunteers may sing logo songs and perform choreographed movements.

Participation by ordinary voters is also possible. They can post messages supporting or opposing candidates on internet portals, websites, and blogs. Election campaigning via email or mobile messengers is also included.

The permitted hours for speeches and discussions in public places are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Portable loudspeakers can be used from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

However, with the start of the election campaign until election day, recruiting party members and distributing membership application forms are prohibited. Ordinary voters are also not allowed to visit homes, install facilities, or distribute printed materials for election campaigning. From March 3, six days before the election, the publication of opinion polls predicting party support or election winners is also banned.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.