Celebrities turned out at polling stations Wednesday as South Korea held its 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections alongside National Assembly by-elections, sharing verification photos on social media to encourage public participation.
BTS member Jin voted at the No. 3 polling station in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. He briefly returned to South Korea after completing the Las Vegas leg of the group's world tour "Arirang," which spans 34 cities across the globe, before heading to the polls.
Broadcaster Jang Young-ran posted a photo of her ink-stamped hand with the message, "Please make sure to vote, no matter how busy you are." Actor So Yoo-jin shared a photo at a polling station with the caption "Voting done," while actor Yoon Jong-hoon posted a photo taken outside a polling station and wrote, "Everyone, let's vote."
Several stars brought their children along. Musical actors Kim So-hyun and Son Jun-ho shared a photo at a polling station with their son Ju-an, conveying the significance of casting a ballot. Broadcaster Jang Sung-gyu said he accompanied his son to a polling station for the first time, writing, "To those who get elected — please take good care of our children."
Actor couple Jin Tae-hyun and Park Si-eun shared a verification photo showing them arriving at a polling station in workout clothes after an early-morning run.
Idol groups also joined the wave of voting posts. All eligible members of the group Odd Youth — excluding its Japanese member — voted together. Member Kani, born in 2007 and casting her first ballot, said, "I voted for the first time as an adult and as a citizen of South Korea. It feels great."
Earlier, Martin and Juhun of the group Cortis, along with Won Hwa-yeon, Taerin, Rahee and Kasia of the group IfI, had shared early voting verification photos. Martin and Juhun, both born in 2008 and voting for the first time, posted photos holding their early voting confirmation slips with the caption, "We're adults now."
rim@heraldcorp.com
