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Key Points

Former South Korean presidents Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in actively participated in early voting, encouraging citizens to head to the polls. With Yoon Suk Yeol ousted, the election becomes pivotal in determining South Korea's new leadership and is seen as a referendum on his troubled tenure. Moon emphasized the importance of this election, urging a reflective judgment on Yoon's government, while Park aimed to dissipate fears of potential vote manipulation. As early voting begins, Democratic candidate Lee Jae-myung leads the polls, setting a competitive scene for this significant political moment.

Key Points: Moon and Park Urge Early Voting Amid South Korea's Election

  • Park and Moon cast ballots urging voter participation
  • Election follows Yoon’s ouster over failed martial law bid
  • Park reassures voters amid concerns of vote-rigging
  • Democrats lead as early voting begins
2 min read

South Korea: Ex-Presidents Park, Moon cast ballots in early voting

Moon and Park, former South Korean presidents, encourage early voting in response to a historic election.

"This is an election to judge the Yoon Suk Yeol government’s total collapse of state affairs and insurrection. - Moon Jae-in"

Seoul, May 29

Former South Korean Presidents Park Geun-hye and Moon Jae-in cast their ballots in early voting on Thursday for the presidential election, urging voters to go the polls to choose the nation's next leader.

Moon dropped off his vote at a polling station in Yangsan, about 300 kilometres southeast of Seoul, on the first day of the two-day early voting period for the June 3 election triggered by former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's ouster over his failed martial law bid.

"I hope the people remember why an early election is taking place," Moon said after taking part in early voting with former first lady Kim Jung-sook. "This is an election to judge the Yoon Suk Yeol government's total collapse of state affairs and insurrection."

"(We) must gravely hold (them) accountable with overwhelming judgment."

Former President Park Geun-hye also took part in early voting at a polling station in Daegu, about 230 kilometres southeast of Seoul, and urged people to vote, Yonhap news agency reported.

"There are many who are concerned with early voting," she told reporters after casting her vote. "For those who can't vote on the day of the election, shouldn't they actively take part in early voting to raise voter turnout? ... Please cast your ballots."

Her comments appeared aimed at dispelling concerns over vote-rigging among some conservative groups.

Park was removed from office in 2017 following her impeachment over a corruption scandal the previous year, which triggered a snap election won by Moon -- then candidate of the Democratic Party.

The latest poll on the presidential election, published Wednesday, showed Democratic Party (DP) candidate Lee Jae-myung in the lead at 49.2 per cent, followed by Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party with 36.8 per cent. Lee Jun-seok of the minor New Reform Party came in third with 10.3 per cent support.

The single five-year term of the next president will begin immediately following the election.

- IANS

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Rahul K.
Interesting to see how South Korea handles political transitions. In India, we've seen many ex-PMs stay away from active politics after their term. Park and Moon still being involved shows different political culture. Hope they maintain democratic values 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷
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Priya M.
The voter turnout concern is universal! Just like in Indian elections, South Korea also struggles with getting people to vote. Early voting is smart - we should implement this in India too for working professionals. Our EC could learn from their system.
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Amit S.
Moon's strong words against Yoon show how divided their politics is. Reminds me of our own political rivalries in India. But at least they're handling transitions peacefully - that's what mature democracies do. Hope the new leader focuses on India-SK economic ties.
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Neha T.
Both Park and Moon had controversial tenures, yet they're still influential. In India, leaders rarely get second chances after scandals. Their political culture seems more forgiving. But is that good for democracy? 🤔 We need balance between accountability and moving forward.
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Vikram J.
As an admirer of South Korea's tech growth, I hope the new president continues good relations with India. We have so much to learn from their manufacturing and innovation ecosystem. Political stability there benefits Indian companies like Samsung India and Hyundai too!

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