Korean Election Shows: Democracy as Entertainment

South Korea has redefined what democracy looks like—by turning elections into a cultural spectacle. In a world where politics is often seen as dry and disengaging, Korea turns it into a show that captivates citizens and surprises the world. This post explores how Korean election broadcasts have become a unique form of K-content.
This is K-democracy.
And the world is watching.


Korean election shows democracy


A record-breaking turnout that sparked attention

Nearly 80% of eligible voters cast their ballots in the most recent South Korean presidential election—the highest turnout in nearly three decades. The vote came after a political crisis that included the impeachment of a former president.

Yet instead of apathy, the country responded with record-breaking civic engagement.


Koreans turned voting into personal expression

Unlike the standardized “I Voted” stickers in many countries, South Koreans have developed a culture of voting selfies, artistic stamp designs, and idol-themed ballot photos.

This trend wasn’t promoted by the government—it grew naturally among citizens and spread quickly online, especially among young voters.

Even children who are not yet eligible to vote grow up developing the capacity to cast their future ballots with independent judgment—guided not by the intentions of adults, but by their own convictions.


Election night became global entertainment

Korean broadcasters transformed vote counting into a cultural performance. 

Using 3D animation, parodies of Squid Game, and historical montages, they created a national event that rivaled Netflix. Instead of static charts, viewers saw dramatized CG reenactments of candidates being “eliminated” or speeches from past national heroes mixed with modern visuals.

Such creative storytelling didn’t just entertain—it subtly reinforced a core democratic truth: in a system where the people are sovereign, those in power are ultimately public servants.

Many observers saw this as proof that Korea’s democracy has matured to a level where political authority is not feared, but openly interpreted, critiqued, and even parodied
by the people, for the people.

How foreign media reacted to Korea’s election culture

Major international media outlets were surprised by how South Korea blended entertainment and democracy—offering reactions that ranged from admiration to cultural envy.

  • Australia: ABC praised Korea's creative election broadcasts, calling them “shockingly imaginative” and a “political show Korea-style.”

  • United States: American news anchors reacted with surprise and delight, noting the innovative use of Squid Game themes and animations during vote counting.

  • Philippines: A major network highlighted how Korean broadcasters made politics visually engaging, stating that this approach could inspire youth participation.

  • United Kingdom: The BBC reported that Starbucks Korea banned the use of candidate names when calling out coffee orders, to avoid appearing politically biased.

Why this isn't just voting, but democratic evolution

South Korea has turned democracy into a participatory experience—lively, humorous, emotional, and artistic. 

In doing so, it invites people of all ages to take ownership of politics. By blending culture with civic duty, Korea proves that democracy doesn’t have to be boring—it can be something people look forward to.