Thousands of South Koreans turned out to support their favorite candidates for the nation’s upcoming presidential election.
An election was called after sitting President Park Geun-hye was impeached and arrested over an influence-peddling scandal.
Corruption was a key voter concern, understandably. Education costs, minimum wage, and jobs were also important issues.
“I was disappointed with lies of Park Geun-hye, so I hope the next president will keeps their election pledges and raise minimum wages to 10,000 won (about $8.77) as well as provide more job opportunities,” said one voter Yu Ji-hun.
“I think a policy to reduce the burden of private education expenses is needed, and I hope (the next president) will amend education policies,” said another voter, Park Ye-dam.
One divisive debate concerned the U.S. THAAD missile-defense system that the United States is installing to protect South Korea from North Korean missile attacks.
“The next president should discuss with the people if the deployment of THAAD is really needed to our security and military,” said Kang Han-suh. “If it appears that it is not really needed, he or she should ask the Unites States to withdraw.”
