Han Byung-do, floor leader and co-chair of the Democratic Party of Korea's central election committee, urged voter participation on June 3, the main voting day of the June 3 local elections, saying, "Today, I ask you once again to show who the owner of the Republic of Korea is."
Han said this at the central election committee meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 3rd, noting, "Now there are not even eight hours left until polls close."
He said, "This is a grave election that will decide whether the Republic of Korea goes back to the past or leaps into the future. Each and every one of your votes will determine the future of the Republic of Korea," adding, "I traveled every corner of the country over the past 13 days. As I said at the central election committee launch, the Democratic Party approached this more desperately and more earnestly than ever."
He continued, "Everyone saved every minute and every second to crisscross the country, shouting for the Democratic Party until our voices gave out," adding, "Seeing you today, the faces of all members of the leadership, including Chair Jung Chung-rae, are all tanned dark. We were of one mind and one heart."
On the early voting rate for the June 3 local elections hitting a record high of 23.5% among all local elections, he said, "I felt the fervor was hotter than in any other election, and I think that led to the highest early voting rate in the history of local elections."
He said, "In North Jeolla, in Daegu, in Busan, in Seoul, and in various places across the country, the people I met shared their heartfelt feelings," adding, "During the campaign, you chanted for the Democratic Party, encouraged us, supported us, and at times, rebuked us."
He added, "The Democratic Party will embrace all of your hearts and make it the nourishment to move toward a better Republic of Korea."
Han emphasized, "Sovereignty is established, maintained, and developed by the sovereign people's voting and participation. Ahn Chang-ho said, 'Those who participate are the owners; those who do not are guests,'" adding, "Today, I ask you once again to show who the owner of the Republic of Korea is."