[Report] "Expecting a President Who Saves People's Livelihoods"... Commuters and Elderly Gather on the Way to Work

Early Voting Site for the 20th Presidential Election on the 4th
11 AM Early Voting Rate at 5.4%
Presidential Candidates Also Early Voting from Day One

On the morning of the 4th, the first day of early voting for the 20th presidential election, voters are waiting to cast their ballots at the Namyeong-dong early voting station located on the 3rd floor of Seoul Station in Jung-gu, Seoul. / Photo by Lee Myung-hwan

[Asia Economy Reporters Bomryeong Geum, Youngwon Kim, Myeonghwan Lee] On the 4th, when early voting for the 20th presidential election began, polling stations set up across Seoul saw a steady stream of citizens. Those met at places like Jongno, known as the 'political hotspot' of Seoul, and Seoul Station, where many locals gather, unanimously expressed their hopes for improvements in the 'livelihood economy.' In particular, issues such as real estate and taxes appeared to have a significant impact on voters' preferences. Opinions on candidates' fairness, administrative capabilities, and basic qualifications were mixed.

◆A President Who Revives the 'Livelihood'

Before 7 a.m., voters of various ages, genders, and regions began to flock to the Seoul Station polling station in earnest. At the polling stations in Jongno 1, 2, 3, and 4-ga dong and Gahoe-dong, office workers trying to vote on their way to work and elderly voters continuously came and went. According to the National Election Commission, the voter turnout as of 11 a.m. that day was 5.4%, significantly surpassing the 3.5% turnout at the same time on the first day of early voting for the 19th presidential election, reflecting high interest.

The early voters' concerns centered on the 'livelihood economy.' Lee Hyung-hee (63), a business owner from Mapo, Seoul, said, "I chose someone who can revive the economy, and I hope they can help and stabilize the economy for ordinary people." Park Moon-hwan (59), a self-employed resident of Seodaemun, Seoul, also stated, "Economic issues are the most urgent," adding, "Money is concentrated only in certain areas, and due to COVID-19, some were forced to sacrifice, so appropriate compensation must be provided."

Particularly, the 'real estate' issue drew the greatest attention. Lee (35), an office worker married for three years, said, "In recent years, housing prices have surged, and I experienced a jeonse (lease) crisis in 2020 when I got married. I suffered from the government's inconsistent real estate policies," adding, "I realized that if real estate shakes, the entire country can falter, so I had no choice but to consider realistic housing supply measures and revitalization of reconstruction and redevelopment when making my choice." Another office worker, Kim Da-yeon (42), said, "As a non-homeowner, I hope the real estate market stabilizes regardless of who wins," and added, "I looked at how housing prices fluctuated every time the administration changed before casting my vote."

Reflecting the worsening economy, voters also focused on solutions to the rising tax issues. Jeong (66), a resident of Jongno, Seoul, said, "Taxes have risen too much now, and I have to pay a lot even though I don't work," adding, "I hope the new president will lower taxes and make life easier for ordinary people."

On the morning of the 4th, the first day of early voting for the 20th presidential election, citizens are waiting to enter the early voting station in Gahoe-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kim Young-won

◆'Administrative Capability' VS 'Fairness' VS 'Breaking the Two-Party Structure'

Voters confidently explained their reasons for casting their votes. Supporters of Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, cited his administrative experience as a strength. They gave high marks for his tenure as mayor of Seongnam and governor of Gyeonggi Province. Sung (59), who works in finance, said, "I valued the candidate's ability and chose the one with more economic and administrative experience."

Those who voted for Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, emphasized 'fairness.' Yoon (40), an office worker, said, "The current government's catchphrase, 'Equal opportunity, fair process, and just outcome,' has already been exposed as a facade and is now mocked," adding, "I place my hopes on a candidate who will do their best to ensure people can live a fair life."

Some voters pointed out the dominance of the two major parties and voted for a third party. Bae Seong-ho (58), a resident of Jongno-gu, said, "Too much is concentrated in the two major parties, so I thought things should be more balanced and looked at policy aspects," adding, "I cast my vote for the third party to break the dominance of the two major parties."

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate (from the left), Yoon Seok-youl, the People Power Party presidential candidate, and Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, are voting at an early voting station on the morning of the 4th. (Photo by Yonhap News)

◆Presidential Candidates Also Participate in Early Voting

Candidate Lee and candidate Yoon also began their day with early voting. After voting at the Sogong-dong Community Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee said, "Politics is done by the people, and victory always belongs to the people," adding, "I will definitely win with the people and firmly open the path to integrated economy and peace."

Yoon, who cast his vote at Nam-gu Office in Busan, said, "To change the administration and find new hope, early voting is essential," and urged, "I ask many citizens to participate in early voting."

Sim Sang-jung, the Justice Party presidential candidate, voted at the Hyehwa-dong Community Center in Jongno, Seoul, with her spouse Lee Seung-bae and family. Sim said, "(This election) is a great transformation to change entrenched politics into a multi-party responsible coalition system," and asked, "I hope citizens vote according to their conscience."

President Moon Jae-in and his wife also voted at the Samcheong-dong Community Center near the Blue House that day. Just before early voting, President Moon encouraged voting through social media, saying, "As sovereigns of a democratic republic, I hope all citizens participate in exercising their sacred voting rights."

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