S. Korean voters hope for change in local elections
- 6 years ago
지방선거 유권자들이 그리는 미래
Total voter turnout in the elections, nationally, has come to more than 60 percent.
It's the second highest it's ever been for a local election
Our Ko Roonhee was at one of the polling stations in Seoul to ask voters why they wanted to make their voices heard.
Millions of South Koreans came out to vote on local election day, many of them because they were inspired by candlelight rallies two years ago... that eventually led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye for corruption and the abuse of power.
"I learned a lot from the candlelight rallies. I realized how important it is to vote and choose a leader. That's why I came out to vote."
Voters were choosing among candidates with many different policies.
Among those, some parent felt the most pressing were environmental issues.
They hope the new mayors and governors will focus on improving air quality.
"I hope my children live in a safe environment. And fresh air is an important part of that."
Among all age groups, South Koreans were looking for representatives who can solve the problem of high youth unemployment.
"I hope many young people can get jobs, and live better lives. I hope they don't have to suffer from economic problems."
"Even though they might have gotten a job, many people suffer because they aren't compensated fully for their work. Not getting paid overtime is one example. I hope changes are made soon."
And last but not least... voters hope local representatives will work with the central government and contribute to bringing peace on the Korean Peninsula.
"Having watched the North Korea-U.S. summit, I hope the peace momentum continues for a long time."
Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.
Total voter turnout in the elections, nationally, has come to more than 60 percent.
It's the second highest it's ever been for a local election
Our Ko Roonhee was at one of the polling stations in Seoul to ask voters why they wanted to make their voices heard.
Millions of South Koreans came out to vote on local election day, many of them because they were inspired by candlelight rallies two years ago... that eventually led to the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye for corruption and the abuse of power.
"I learned a lot from the candlelight rallies. I realized how important it is to vote and choose a leader. That's why I came out to vote."
Voters were choosing among candidates with many different policies.
Among those, some parent felt the most pressing were environmental issues.
They hope the new mayors and governors will focus on improving air quality.
"I hope my children live in a safe environment. And fresh air is an important part of that."
Among all age groups, South Koreans were looking for representatives who can solve the problem of high youth unemployment.
"I hope many young people can get jobs, and live better lives. I hope they don't have to suffer from economic problems."
"Even though they might have gotten a job, many people suffer because they aren't compensated fully for their work. Not getting paid overtime is one example. I hope changes are made soon."
And last but not least... voters hope local representatives will work with the central government and contribute to bringing peace on the Korean Peninsula.
"Having watched the North Korea-U.S. summit, I hope the peace momentum continues for a long time."
Ko Roon-hee, Arirang News.