The presidential election in the eyes of a naturalized Korean

By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Lalien Guillen Park

Photos = Lalien Guillen Park and Yonhap News

Being part of a multi-cultural family in Korea, I have gained a lot of benefits and privileges. Among them, is obtaining a new citizenship. On Dec. 21, 2015, I became a naturalized Korean citizen. From that day onward, I obtained the equal rights to which a natural born Korean would be entitled. If you ask me how I felt after getting my citizenship, it was incredible, exciting and a humbling experience.

It was incredible because the Philippine government permits dual citizenship. Therefore, I had nothing to lose by being naturalized as a Korean citizen. It was exciting for the fact that I could now get my own Korean identification card (주민등록증) and bid goodbye to my Alien Registration Card. In addition, becoming a Korean passport-holder means that I can travel to 172 countries visa-free, or else be granted a visa upon arrival. 

  

It was a humbling experience because, with my poor Korean language skills, I felt that I was -- and still am -- undeservedly lucky to be a citizen of a country that gives me a lot of wonderful things and experiences for which I will always be grateful.

However, beyond all the perks, such as having a Korean identification card or holding a Korean passport, the one thing that I was most anxious about was exercising my right to vote in an election. 

The first ever Korean election in which I participated was the legislative elections held on April 13, 2016. I remembered being so excited despite the heavy rain that day. At that time, I thought that it was my finest moment as a true Korean citizen. I was able to do my duty as a citizen and choose the lawmakers and the people’s representatives in the government. I felt really good and proud after voting.

However, this presidential election of 2017 was even more special. I got really excited upon receiving my information package related to the election. 

Inside the parcel were booklets and brochures about the presidential candidates, with information about their educational backgrounds and political achievements. 

Two days later, another parcel arrived. 

This one contained information about voting, such as the date, the location and my voter's registration number.

For the previous few months, I had been actively interested in Korean politics, more so than I was before. I followed the candidates in the news and even watched some of their debates. The debates were really important because their answers reflected how they might handle important issues concerning the entire country.

I felt that this time around, I was more prepared and much wiser when exercising my right to vote. Election day of May 9 finally came and -- what a funny coincidence -- the clouds were gray and it was rainy again. 

Nonetheless, the rain didn’t stop people from coming out to vote, which was a really good sign that people were taking this election seriously.

I was glad to see that some parents brought their children along with them. I believe that as early as possible, children should develop an awareness of how important it is to vote. After all, they are the country’s future. 

I can’t help but smile to see the sign that says, “You who vote are beautiful.” All citizens must be encouraged to exercise their right to vote. I think that the election committee did a really good job in this election, despite the short period of time it had to make the election possible.

After writing down our names in the registration book, we were given our ballots. We then proceeded to the polling booths. Inside the booth, there was an ink pen and a practice sheet. I practiced stamping my selection a couple of times on the practice sheet before stamping the ink pen on my ballot. After that, I made sure that the ink was fully dry before folding my ballot in half and inserting it in the ballot box. Just like that, voting was done.

I drew a breath and hoped for the best. I hoped that my single vote would help my candidate win, and that they could then lead Korea to a much better future.

The election was scheduled to be finished at 8 p.m. Once again, my husband and I were hooked on TV, watching the news and rooting for our presidential candidate.

It was a landslide victory! I wasn’t surprised at all. The newly elected President Moon Jae-in won the hearts of the majority of the people with his sincerity and sense of justice. He has been consistent about his love for the country ever since he was a student activist. He then became a human rights attorney later on, and then a nationally known representative in the National Assembly. Now, he is the new president of Korea.

I'm not expecting him to be a perfect president. Nobody has been, nobody is, and nobody will be. However, I am hoping and praying that his good character will always prevail and that he will make the right and best decisions as the head of our country.

My interest in politics doesn't end at this election. I know that this is only the beginning. Now, I have five more years to watch over and to be involved in President Moon Jae-in’s governance, hoping that I voted wisely, hoping that I also made the right decision to vote for this upright man.

I guess I can say that there's not much difference, if there’s any difference at all, as to how the election looked in my eyes and in the eyes of a native-born Korean. After all, we all live in the same country and face the same social issues. However, as a naturalized Korean, I think I feel more honored to be given this right to vote and to be part of the solution. I will try my best to be a better Korean citizen so that I can be deserving of having this privilege of being able to cast a vote that can make a change for the entire nation. 

wisdom117@korea.kr

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