How a Beloved Child Star is Inspiring a New Generation of Voters in South Korea
As South Korea gears up for its 21st presidential election, SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System) airs a special documentary aiming to remind viewers of the incredible journey behind their right to vote. Entitled ‘From the Fingertips’, this special feature traces the historic and emotional road that led to universal suffrage in South Korea—a right many now take for granted.
“The right to vote might seem like a given today,” says the narrator, “but it’s a freedom earned through blood, sweat, and countless sacrifices.” Digging deep into the nation’s political transformations, the documentary sheds light on the tireless efforts of those who championed democracy under oppressive regimes.
Viewers will witness how ordinary citizens became activists in pivotal moments like the June Democratic Uprising of 1987, where mass protests forced constitutional reforms, including the reintroduction of direct presidential elections. Testimonies from Kim Young-nam—who sang a requiem for those who lost their lives in the struggle—and Lee Jong-chang, a protestor who helped the fallen Yonsei University student Lee Han-yeol, highlight the raw courage of that era.
Adding a personal and emotional layer to the documentary, Kal So-won—the child actress who charmed 12 million moviegoers in Miracle in Cell No.7—is now 20 years old and voting for the first time. Having understood the power of elections through classroom roles, she expresses both excitement and responsibility as she prepares for her first presidential vote.
The narrative also stretches back to South Korea’s formative years. The film dives into the ideological foundations of Korean democracy, touching on the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. It introduces Cho So-ang, whose forward-thinking vision as Foreign Minister embedded voting rights and civic participation into the early drafts of the national charter. His descendant, Cho In-rae, offers insight into how his legacy shaped modern South Korea’s constitutional ethos.
SBS’s ‘From the Fingertips’ not only serves as a lens into the past but as a powerful call to action for today’s young electorate. It airs Saturday, June 24 at 8:00 AM KST.
