ELECTION Political heavyweights cast votes, issue last-minute appeals

Former President Yoon Suk Yeol, right, and his wife, Kim Keon Hee, leave a polling station in southern Seoul after casting their votes in the presidential election, Tuesday. Yonhap

Former presidents and political heavyweights cast their ballots on Tuesday, urging the public to vote in the presidential election and support their preferred candidates in a last-minute effort to shore up support.

What drew the most public attention were the votes cast by former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife, Kim Keon Hee. The couple cast their ballots together at around 9:41 a.m. at a polling station in southern Seoul, accompanied by security personnel.

After voting, Yoon did not respond to reporters who asked whether he had any message for the public, given the early election was triggered by his martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment. He also ignored questions about when he plans to comply with the prosecution’s investigation into his actions or whether he believes the early voting process was rigged.

Kim also made no comment when asked whether she still denies having improperly received luxury items, such as a Chanel bag. It was her first public appearance in 53 days, following her departure from the official presidential residence on April 11.

Former President Lee Myung-bak, right, and his wife cast their votes in the presidential election at a polling station in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Former President Lee Myung-bak also voted earlier in the morning at a polling station in southern Seoul. A day prior, Lee had participated in a walk along Cheonggye Stream with former officials from his administration, during which he indirectly endorsed People Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo. "I hope there will be high voter participation," he said.

National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, right, and his wife cast their votes in the presidential election at a polling station in northern Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Woo's office

From the democratic camp, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik cast his vote at a polling station in northern Seoul.

"With today’s election, I believe the Republic of Korea will overcome the democratic crisis that began on Dec. 3, restoring order through the Constitution and the rule of law, and once again move forward as a stable and prosperous democracy," Woo wrote on his Facebook page, signaling support for Democratic Party of Korea candidate Lee Jae-myung.

"Voting is powerful. Please make sure to cast your ballot for the future of our country," Woo added.

Kwon Yang-sook, the widow of late President Roh Moo-hyun, also voted Tuesday morning in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Accompanied by her son, she said this vote is incredibly important. "I hope everyone exercises their right to cast this precious ballot," she added.

Former President Moon Jae-in speaks to reporters after casting his early vote in the presidential election at a polling station in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. Yonhap

Former President Moon Jae-in cast his ballot Thursday, the first day of early voting, alongside his wife at a polling station in Yangsan, South Gyeongsang Province.

"This election is a referendum on the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s complete failure in governance and its acts of insurrection," Moon said. "There must be a firm reckoning through an overwhelming mandate."