Early Voting Rate for Local Elections Reaches Record High of 23.51% The early voting rate for the 9th nationwide local elections reached a record high of 23.51%. According to the National Election Commission on May 30, a total of 10,498,411 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters participated in early voting over the two days from May 29 to 30. This figure is 2.89 percentage points higher than the early voting rate of 20.62% recorded in the previous local elections in 2022. However, it remains 13.42 percentage points lower than the all-time high of 36.93% seen May 30, 2026

U.S. Military Supports 'Dark Transit' as Ships Navigate Hormuz Strait As Iran continues its blockade of the Hormuz Strait, some vessels are reportedly navigating the waterway with their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) turned off, a practice known as "dark transit," while receiving support from the U.S. military, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal on May 29. The report indicates that in recent weeks, supertankers and LNG carriers transporting crude oil and liquefied natural gas have been taking risks to pass through the Hormuz Strait. D May 30, 2026

Iran's PGSA Claims U.S. Sanctions Validate Control Over Hormuz Strait The Iranian government established the Persian Gulf Shipping Authority (PGSA) on May 7, claiming it was a measure to manage traffic through the Hormuz Strait. Following the U.S. Treasury Department's designation of PGSA as a target of sanctions, the agency asserted that this recognition affirms its control over the strait. On May 29, PGSA condemned the U.S. sanctions via its X account, stating, "The sanctions imposed by a nation that prides itself on piracy are evidence of our positive ac May 30, 2026

Early Voting Rate Reaches 22.16%, Surpassing Previous Record As of 5 p.m. on May 30, the second day of early voting for the 9th nationwide local elections, the national average voter turnout has reached 22.16%. This figure marks a new record for early voting in local elections. According to the National Election Commission, from 6 a.m. on May 29, when early voting began, a total of 989,233 ballots were cast out of 44,649,908 eligible voters. The current turnout of 22.16% exceeds the previous record of 20.62% set during the 2022 8th local elections May 30, 2026

SWOT Analysis of Candidates in Busan North District for June 3 By-Election The Busan North District is considered a key battleground in the upcoming June 3 by-election. Initially, Ha Jung-woo of the Democratic Party held a lead in the three-way race against Park Min-sik of the People Power Party and independent Han Dong-hoon. However, as the election approaches, Han has shown a rapid rise in support, shaking up the dynamics of the race. Analysts suggest that this election will serve as a test for Han's potential to reshape the conservative landscape and for the c May 30, 2026

Pyeongtaek's 5-Way Race: Kim Yong-nam, Cho Kuk, and Yoo Yi-dong Compete The Pyeongtaek constituency is considered the most competitive district in the upcoming by-election, which coincides with the June 3 local elections. The race features Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party, Cho Kuk of the Justice Party, and Yoo Yi-dong of the People Power Party, along with candidates Kim Jae-yeon from the Progressive Party and Hwang Kyo-ahn from the Liberty and Innovation Party. Although there were discussions about potential unification among candidates from the progressi May 30, 2026

Yoon Yong-geun Proposes Cultural Tourism Belt to Revitalize Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang Yoon Yong-geun, the People Power Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang by-election, has pledged to revitalize the declining region by focusing on sustainable tourism and expanding job opportunities for young people. Hailing from Buyeo, Yoon graduated from Buyeo Jangam Elementary School, Jangam Middle School, and Buyeo High School before earning a law degree from Chungnam National University. He passed the bar exam (48th session) and currently serves as the managing attorney at El May 30, 2026

Kim Young-bin Aims to Revitalize Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang for Youth Kim Young-bin, the Democratic Party candidate for the Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang parliamentary by-election, has proposed expanding healthcare and welfare services and creating jobs for young people as key solutions to address the region's declining population and aging issues. He emphasized the importance of developing a sustainable tourism industry leveraging the Baekje cultural heritage, stating, "We will create a region where anyone can visit and want to stay." A native of Gongju, Kim grad May 30, 2026

Jeon Tae-jin Promises to Create Ulsan AI Valley to Retain Young Workforce Jeon Tae-jin, the Democratic Party candidate for Ulsan's Nam-gu Gap district, has identified industrial transformation and youth employment as key issues. He stated, "I will innovate Ulsan's manufacturing competitiveness with AI and digital technology to create a city where young people can dream of the future," emphasizing, "I will engage in politics that brings budgets and results, not conflict." Jeon is the first candidate recruited by the Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming by-election. May 30, 2026

Kim Seong-beom Aims to Diversify Seogwipo's Economy with AI, Bio, and Healing Industries Kim Seong-beom, the Democratic Party candidate for the Seogwipo City National Assembly by-election, has announced plans to diversify the tourism-dependent economy of Seogwipo by focusing on AI, bio, and healing industries. He emphasized, "The Seogwipo economy must change to a sustainable structure that is not shaken by external variables," adding, "I will devote all my efforts to creating a city where young people do not leave." A native of Seogwipo, Kim graduated from Seogwipo High School and May 30, 2026