People Sign Up for South Korean Elections

May 12, 2026, 08:06
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The National Election Commission has the dates for the June 3 elections.

Main Body

People sign up to be candidates this Thursday and Friday. They can start their official campaigns on May 21. The campaigns end on June 2. People can vote early on May 29 and 30. People will vote for leaders in 16 cities and provinces. In Seoul and Busan, two big parties are fighting for the win. These parties are the People Power Party and the Democratic Party. There are also 14 seats for the National Assembly. Many people want these seats. For example, Han Dong-hoon and Cho Kuk are in the race. In Gwangju, the election office works with bakeries. 150 bakeries use cakes and bread to tell people about the election date.

Conclusion

Now, candidates must register before the vote on June 3.

Learning

πŸ•’ Talking About the Future

In this story, we see two ways to talk about things that haven't happened yet. This is a key skill for A2 learners.

1. Using "Will" We use will for things that are definitely going to happen.

  • Example: People will vote...
  • Meaning: It is a fact in the future.

2. Using "Can" We use can to show that something is allowed or possible.

  • Example: They can start...
  • Meaning: They have permission to begin.

πŸ’‘ Quick Vocabulary Swap

Instead of hard words, look at these simple pairs from the text:

  • Sign up β†’\rightarrow Join / Register
  • Race β†’\rightarrow Competition
  • Win β†’\rightarrow Victory

Pro Tip: Notice how the text uses dates (June 3, May 21). In English, we usually put the month before the day!

Vocabulary Learning

candidate
a person who is running for a job or position
Example:The candidate gave a speech about her plans.
campaign
an organized effort to persuade people to support something
Example:They launched a campaign to raise awareness.
official
relating to a formal or authorized job or position
Example:She gave an official statement.
vote
to choose a person or idea by a ballot
Example:Everyone will vote tomorrow.
early
before the usual time
Example:They voted early on May 29.
leader
a person who guides or directs others
Example:The leader spoke to the crowd.
city
a large town with many people
Example:Seoul is a big city.
province
a large area within a country
Example:Busan is a province in South Korea.
party
a group of people who share ideas and work together
Example:The party will meet tomorrow.
seat
a place where someone sits in a meeting or office
Example:She won a seat in the Assembly.
assembly
a group of people who meet to discuss and decide
Example:The National Assembly will vote next week.
race
a competition to see who is fastest or best
Example:The race for the seat was close.
office
a place where people work on official duties
Example:He works in the election office.
bakeries
places where bread and cakes are made
Example:The bakeries made cakes for the election.
cakes
sweet baked goods often eaten on special occasions
Example:The cakes were decorated.
bread
a staple food made from flour and water
Example:Many people eat bread for breakfast.
register
to sign up or record your name
Example:He will register before the vote.