South Korea witnessed a historic surge in early voting for its upcoming presidential election. Preliminary data from the National Election Commission show that over 17 million people—nearly 22% of registered voters—took advantage of early polling by Saturday evening, smashing previous records.
Analysts say the unprecedented turnout, fueled by young voters in their 20s and 30s, signals a broader trend of citizens fitting ballots into busy schedules via early polling.
The rise in digital campaigning also played a role, with candidates leveraging social media platforms and mobile outreach to encourage early participation. Data indicates that online ads and influencer partnerships helped boost awareness about the two-day early voting period.
Beyond numbers, the early surge highlights shifting patterns in democratic engagement across Asia, where convenience and digital access are reshaping how elections unfold. For many young South Koreans, early voting isn’t just practical—it’s a statement about their role in shaping the country’s future.
As the final stretch of the campaign approaches, this record early turnout could foreshadow a milestone election outcome and offer lessons to democracies worldwide on maximizing voter participation.
Reference(s):
Asia News Wrap: Large turnout for early voting in S. Korea, and more
cgtn.com
