301 Chapter 295 (1/2)

Ani & Funny literally had its heyday. It produced a lot of stars not only in animation but also in the entertainment area, including singers, talents, movie actors, comedians, dancers, composers, and songwriters.

Thanks to the brilliant activities of Ani & Funny's entertainers, their faces were everywhere on soap operas, ads as well as entertainment programs.

Yu Zuung was also very active in appearing on TV shows.

Though well known, Hyunwoo was rarely seen on TV. He was sometimes on TV when there broke some important stories like STM's listing on the stock market.

In a sudden break with such practices, however, Hyunwoo appeared on TV ads. The ads were public service ads on encouraging more young voters to go to the polling booths.

Everybody was surprised by Hyunwoo's surprising proposal. The total lottery prize was 300 million, plus 10,000-won gift cards to all the young people who actually voted.

Regardless of age or s.e.x, most people praised Hyunwoo.

But there were people vehemently opposed to that. They were veteran politicians like Chulmo Kim because the more young voters went to the polling booths, the more young candidates would likely to win.

”This is clearly a breach of the election law.”

”He is trying to buy off the voters, so they have to investigate right away.”

Of course, their argument didn't make any sense. Though Hyunwoo's proposal was extraordinary, it was far from an election campaign. It was simply a way of recommending votes.

As a result, veteran politicians' opposition only invited backlash from many young voters.

”What the h.e.l.l are they talking about? He just wants to increase the turnout of young voters. Why is that an issue?”

”Their logic is their candidates have more chances of winning when young voters don't come to the polling booths. How disgusting!”

When young people gathered in threes and fours, they talked about the by-elections.

”Are you going to vote this time?”

”I'm thinking about it now. Actually, I planned to travel with a friend on the election day.”

”I'm going to vote by all means.”

”Because of the prize money?”

”No way. I'm not going to vote for the sake of a 10,000-won cash gift. I'm really touched by Hyunwoo Jang's enthusiasm. I think we, young people, have to change this time.”

Some students openly liked Hyunwoo's cash offer of 10,000 won.

”Do you think you can make 10,000 won easily? Our parents would have to work hard to make that money. If you're lucky enough, you can win the 10 million lottery! I don't have any reason not to vote this time.”

”Me, too. I have to work two full hours to make 10,000 won. If I receive 10,000 won for my vote, I just make the money for nothing. I wish I could win the lottery, too.”

Some of the righteous young men instigated the college students as followers of Hyunwoo.

”Whenever our country was in a crisis in the past, we students rose up first. Now is the time. Let's clean the politics stymied by the resources diplomacy scandal with our hands. Let's rise up against corrupt politicians!”

Looking at them, Hyunwoo felt satisfied. He felt he might see much bigger effects than expected.

On the very election day, there was a long line from early in the morning. In the past, they were mostly in their 50s and 60s, but this time the majority of the voters were young.

There were many young voters who took proof photos of their voting and contacted each other to double-check if they voted.

On that evening the TV networks reported heavily about the high turnout of young voters.

Thanks to young voters' high turnout, the young candidates nominated by Wonju Ha in the stronghold areas of the ruling party won a landslide victory, while those candidates sent by Chulmo Kim were breathing a sigh of defeat.

Hyunwoo's promise also shook the opposition stronghold areas.

The opposition parties nominated those candidates with vested interests in their const.i.tuencies. Accordingly, young candidates with little chance of winning were just content with getting their names known to the voters, but strange things happened one after another. There were five opposition strongholds in the by-elections, and two young candidates defeated their rivals there.

College students were happy. Though they thought that their voting could never change the existing political landscape, they became convinced that they could if they were united.

Hyunwoo carried out his promise. He sent a 10,000-won cash gift to every young voter, plus the gift cards through the lottery.

Moneywise, Hyunwoo had no problem though he spent a total of 3 billion won for the elections.

Given the landslide victory of young fresh candidates, he felt the money was well spent. Above all, he was happy to confirm that the young voters' consciousness began to change.

Mr. Wonju Ha, the ruling party's chief, was also happy about the election results.

As soon as the elections were over, he came to Hyunwoo's office in person.

”Thanks so much. All thanks to you.”