As information cues grow diverse, the public becomes better equipped with the information necessary to independently judge external crises, and thus their support for the president is less likely to be influenced by elite discourse. Our analysis of South Korean presidential popularity (1993–2008) confirms this expectation.

This paper explores the partisan effects of voter turnout in 12 Korean elections. We argue theoretically and show empirically that hypothetical increases in turnout generate benefits for left-wing or minor parties, rather than right-wing or major parties. Complete voter turnout may have changed the actual electoral results in close elections.