Civic Participation

[Anchor Lead]

People from all walks of life exercised their right to vote at the 19th presidential election, from North Korean defectors to a 110-year-old woman. Let's take a closer look.

[Pkg]

This North Korean defector who arrived in South Korea in October of last year cast his vote for the first time in his life. He says that by witnessing how people freely choose their next leader among candidates who promise to serve the people taught him the preciousness of a free democracy.

[Soundbite] N. Korean Defector(Voice Modified) : "I am very excited to be able to vote for a new president in the South. I looked forward to it."

This 110-year-old woman visited a polling station with a carnation on her chest, a gift that she had received on Parents' Day. Although she has a hard time moving around, she confidently exercised her right to vote.

[Soundbite] "If you take out 100, she's only 10."

Some 200 residents on the northernmost tip of Korea's east coast in Myeongpa-ri, Goseong-gun County, Gangwon-do Province also cast their votes. However, some 20 residents of Marado Island on the southernmost tip of Korea were unable to cast their votes because ship operations were suspended due to inclement weather.

[Soundbite] Kim Hee-ju(Chief of Marado Island Youth Hall) : "Voters were unable to vote because ships couldn't approach the pier. They were very upset."

Polling stations were set up in various locations, including private facilities such as car shops and cafes, to maximize voters' convenience.