High overseas voter participation reaches a record 79.5% for the June presidential election
South Korean expatriates in the United States exercised their right to vote in the nation's 21st presidential election on May 20, 2022 at the Korean Community Center in Annandale, Virginia.
The voting process for South Korean nationals overseas involves an organized procedure, with eligible voters casting their ballots at designated polling stations across the U.S., primarily at Korean diplomatic missions. To participate, eligible voters (South Korean nationals living or staying abroad, including those registered as absentee voters) must register in advance, with approximately 258,254 Korean nationals worldwide and 53,377 in the U.S. registered for the 2025 election.
Voters are required to present an official government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's license, as well as documents verifying Korean nationality, like a permanent resident certificate. Voting hours typically last between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. from May 20 to May 25, though hours may vary by location.
Despite the structure, many voters encounter difficulties due to limited polling site access, often necessitating long-distance travel. For instance, in Southern California and surrounding states, only four voting sites are available, requiring some voters to travel over six hours.
Observers from major political parties are present at polling stations to ensure a fair and transparent voting process. Political polarization is reported among the Korean diaspora, with increased division over domestic issues.
In summary, overseas voting in the U.S. allows Korean expatriates to participate in national elections, yet presents challenges for many with limited polling site access. This issue is compounded by political polarization within the Korean diaspora.
- South Korean expatriates in the United States expressed interest in various topics besides politics during their limited leisure time, including movies and entertainment.
- The Korean Community Center in Annandale, Virginia, not only served as a polling station for the 21st presidential election but also hosted art exhibitions and cultural performances as part of the general-news and entertainment sector.
- After casting their votes, some Korean expatriates engaged in discussions about the elections' impact on the country's arts and cultural scene, given that politics and the creative industry are often intertwined.
