ELECTION Voters call on parties to embrace politics of harmony and coexistence
A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Seoul's Yongsan District, Wednesday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul
Voters participating in the general elections raised hopes for rival parties to stop slandering each other and, instead, collaborate to address the public's disillusionment with politicians and stabilize the livelihoods of the people.
Many said they were tired of the heightened negativity prevalent in election campaigns, characterized by blame, slander and smear tactics employed by both the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) leading up to Wednesday's elections. They said such undue confrontation has only served to fuel distrust and anxiety among the public, and urged the parties to move toward harmony and coexistence for the good of the people and the country.
“It is time for parties to join forces to come up with policies for the people as the nation grapples with numerous challenges, including conflicts between genders, regions and generations, as well as the soaring cost of housing and unresolved disputes over working hours,” Park Hyuk-joon, 26, said.
He said these challenges have contributed to the country’s fast-declining birthrate. But he added, “No party has produced realistic and effective pledges to address those issues.”
A 24-year-old university student, surnamed Choi, also expressed hopes for members of the 22nd National Assembly to stop denouncing each other, and instead prioritize the goal of enhancing the people's livelihood.
“I was disappointed as candidates running in the elections focused only on criticizing the opposing side, rather than presenting their policies,” he said. “I want those elected this time to propose good bills to improve the lives of the people who are experiencing inflation coupled with worsening economic conditions.”
Kang Se-eun, 26, said new lawmakers should draft more effective policies, citing the inadequacy of existing ones to reflect the evolving changes and diversity within society.
“I think the social security system should be amended to include expanded state support in medical services or housing,” she said.
A 29-year-old office worker in Seoul, surnamed Bang, expressed skepticism about why politicians choose to pursue political careers, particularly when she witnessed election campaigns filled with slander against their rivals.
“I want new lawmakers to have rational discussions at the Assembly rather than engaging in emotional battles,” she said.
A 28-year-old office worker and Yongsan District resident, surnamed Lee, voiced similar sentiments, saying negative election campaigning has turned young voters away from politics and polls.
“I want politicians to make efforts to present their vision and policies to persuade voters,” she said. “In particular, I hope there will be more financial support for young people and single-person households.”
Voters stand in line to cast their ballots at a polling station in Busanjin District in Busan, Wednesday. Yonhap
Seeking alternatives
Some voters expressed a desire for a departure from the current political landscape, which is dominated by the two major parties. They voiced frustration with both the PPP and the DPK.
Jang Hoon, 55, the father of one of the young victims of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster, said he joined the Rebuilding Korea Party, led by former Justice Minister Cho Kuk, two weeks ago, after having been a member of the DPK for the past two decades.
The Sewol ferry sinking killed 304 passengers and crew members in one of the deadliest accidents in Korean history. Most of the victims were high school students.
Jang said he decided to leave the main opposition party after a special bill that sought a new investigation into the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush, which killed 159 people in a narrow alley in Seoul’s Itaewon area during Halloween weekend, was rejected by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
“The DPK was unable to fight (against the government). I need a party that can fight better,” he said. “I asked the Rebuilding Korea Party to make efforts to create a panel dedicated to boosting social safety and preventing the reoccurrence of tragic accidents, and the party accepted it.”
Shin Taek-gyun, 59, who lives in Haenam, South Jeolla Province — a stronghold of the liberals — also said he supported Cho’s party because “the DPK has deviated from its traditional characteristics.”
On the other hand, a 58-year-old housewife surnamed Oh, who lives in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province — a conservative stronghold — said her family members voted for conservative candidates and parties in previous elections, but did not do so this time.
“We are a family of doctors and oppose President Yoon’s push to expand the medical school admission quota. We have also been disappointed by Yoon’s state affairs in general,” she said. “My family voted to show our verdict on the Yoon government.”