Chong Won-o, the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul mayoral candidate, visited the Jung District Sogong-dong Administrative Complex in Seoul on the first day of the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections early voting to cast a ballot.
On the 29th, Chong arrived at the early voting site with his spouse, Moon Hye-kyong, at 8:30 a.m. and cast a vote.
Wearing a black suit, white shirt, and blue tie, Chong walked in with a smile and greeted citizens and staff at the early voting site. Chong had wrapped up the National Election Commission's official televised multi-candidate debate at 11 p.m. the previous day.
Chong finished voting in just over 10 minutes and said, "Today and tomorrow are early voting days," adding, "Please take part in early voting and be sure to elect a new mayor who will establish safety as the top priority in this election."
Asked about his thoughts on the previous day's debate, he said, "Those who watched the debate would have judged who will serve 9.3 million citizens safer and more comfortably," adding, "I prepared as best I could." Regarding his opponent, he said, "As feared on the ground, there was mudslinging and negative campaigning, which is regrettable."
Asked whether he expects the same outcome in the main vote after leading Oh Se-hoon, the People Power Party candidate, in the most recent poll, he answered, "It will be a close race, but the demand for new energy and leadership will come through."
On a question about local elections, which typically show low turnout, he said, "Last time it was held right after the presidential election, the race was set, and turnout was low," adding, "This time, with some degree of bloc consolidation achieved, I expect turnout to rise." He set a target turnout of 60%.
Chong concluded, "I hope to be elected with the support of many citizens and become a mayor who can push forward with strong momentum."