The Absurd Situation of Chinese Nationals Having Voting Rights in South Korea's Local Elections

As of 2025, the number of foreign nationals eligible to vote in South Korea's local elections has surpassed 140,000, with over 81% being Chinese nationals. This significant demographic presence has led to concerns about their potential influence on election outcomes, especially in regions with high concentrations of Chinese residents.

In response to these developments, South Korean lawmakers have proposed legislation to tighten voting rights for foreign permanent residents, citing concerns over national sovereignty and democratic integrity. Critics argue that granting voting rights to foreign nationals, particularly when their home countries do not reciprocate, could undermine the country's democratic processes.

The investigative team from "끝까지 판다" has conducted an in-depth examination of this issue, exploring the debates surrounding foreign voting rights and their implications for South Korea's political landscape.