South Korea's Election Coverage: Humour and High Turnout

South Korea's elections are known for their unique approach to broadcasting. Instead of the usual serious tone, South Korean TV stations use creative visuals and animations to make the event more engaging for viewers. This practice began about ten years ago, with stations like SBS leading the way. They use animated versions of candidates, placing them in humorous situations, like playing Squid Game or fixing toilets. This strategy aims to boost viewership and make elections more relatable. The recent snap election, prompted by the impeachment of former President Yoon Suk-yeol, saw a record-high voter turnout of 79.4%. "It's a way to connect with younger viewers," says a source at SBS. The creative approach has been largely praised for its success in increasing voter engagement. The high turnout in the recent election suggests that this unconventional style of broadcasting may be a significant factor in improving political participation.