Foreigners' voting rights in Korea’s local elections — time to abolish or uphold?

The debate over foreign residents’ voting rights in South Korea’s local elections is heating up. One side argues that granting such rights—especially to permanent residents—is part of a natural shift toward a multicultural society and ensures fair participation in local governance. The other side strongly opposes it, citing national security and sovereignty concerns. With a large portion of foreign voters coming from a single country, this debate has evolved beyond mere policy reform. It now serves as a litmus test for South Korea’s national identity and the future direction of its democracy.