Last day of early voting nears the end following record-high figures on first day

We start with election news.

In less than one hour the two-day EARLY voting period comes to a close.

And my colleague Ahn Sung-jin joins me now from a polling place here in Seoul.

Sung-jin, it's great to have you on.

So what's the mood there like today?

Right, Sunny, I'm currently in front of the early voting station in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu District.

It's a busy area, bustling with office workers.

I've been out here since early this morning, when we saw an influx of people coming in to vote before going to work.

Yesterday saw the highest voter turnout rate in early voting, which first took place in national elections in 2014.

This morning, it was relatively calmer when we first got here, but in the afternoon, the line has been getting longer.

In fact, as we head towards the end of early voting, the line is extending beyond the front of the polling station.

Have a listen to what some of the voters have had to say.

"People nowadays say how living conditions are difficult, so I hope that the economy can be revitalized and that whichever candidate wins, they actually follow through with their election promises."

"I came here with my son to explain about how elections work and that this many people are interested in voting."

So as you mentioned the first day of early voting saw a record voter turnout.

What can we expect today?

And do you have any words for those planning to rush to polling stations within the next hour?

Well, the two-day early voting will close in around one hour, at 6 PM.

But anyone who wishes to cast their ballots today must be over 18 and will need to bring a government-issued ID.

And now, if we take a closer look at the voter turnout rate as of 4 PM this afternoon, it stood at 31-point-38 percent.

Jeollanam-do Province recorded the highest turnout at 52-point-45 percent, while Daegu the lowest at 22-point-84 percent.

Turnout in previous early voting in 2017 was 26-point-1 percent, while in 2022 it was 36-point-9 percent, a record-high figure.

Although we did see an increase in 2022, with voting taking place on a weekday, unlike previously, we may see a lower number.

Some say that with much interest coming from a snap presidential election, more voters may come out to vote.

Now, as we just passed 5 PM, new figures should be out, which I will be back with for our later newscast for the final numbers. Back to you, Sunny.

All right then Sung-jin, thank you for that report.

That was our Ahn Sung-jin with the latest on EARLY VOTING that ends in about an hour.