Ruling Party Gains Public Support, Accelerates Legislative Agenda Under Lee Jae-myung's Government The ruling party has strengthened its position in the National Assembly and secured significant local power, bolstering the governance of Lee Jae-myung's administration. The government and ruling party are expected to accelerate their legislative agenda, focusing on economic and reform initiatives based on cooperation between central and local governments. According to political sources on June 3, the local elections held on that day were the first nationwide elections since the inception of the Lee Jae-myung administration, effectively serving as a midterm evaluation of the new government. Exit polls indicated that the Democratic Party is projected to win most of the regional leadership positions. The Democratic Party has established a favorable trend, particularly in the Seoul metropolitan area and the Chungcheong region. This continued momentum following last year's general election victory is seen as a reflection of the early stability narrative of the administration. The party emphasized the need for policy cooperation between the central and local governments during the election campaign, promoting support for the administration. Lee Yeon-hee, the Democratic Party's Strategic Planning Committee Chair, commented on the exit poll results from the three major broadcasting networks (KBS, MBC, SBS), stating, "This is a predictive survey confirming public sentiment supporting President Lee Jae-myung's effective governance and national stability." Regarding the high voter turnout exceeding 60%, she analyzed that "the Democratic Party's supporters and moderate voters seeking stability in governance came out to the polls to lend support to the Lee Jae-myung administration and to energize the government's agenda." The party's advantage in the Seoul metropolitan area is considered significant, as this region is home to nearly half of the nation's voters and is a key battleground that can influence national election outcomes. While the main opposition party, the People Power Party, emphasized the need for checks on the administration, they failed to overcome the ruling party's narrative of national stability. Winning in the Chungcheong region, which has historically played a decisive role in elections, is also viewed positively. The nationwide public sentiment is expected to bolster the legislative process for the administration's agenda in the National Assembly. With the Democratic Party holding a majority in the National Assembly and securing significant local government positions, the momentum for policy initiatives is likely to increase. With no nationwide elections until the 2028 general elections, the government and the National Assembly have time to focus on completing reform tasks. The ruling party plans to intensify efforts in the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly to address issues such as normalizing the real estate market and promoting balanced regional development, which President Lee has emphasized since taking office. Discussions on the proposed citizen dividend system utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) revenue, introduced by Chief Policy Officer Kim Yong-beom during the election period, may also commence in earnest. The re-pursuit of the so-called "Special Prosecutor Law" granting the right to dismiss charges is also anticipated. Although the Democratic Party took a step back due to strong opposition from the opposition party and the legal community before the local elections, they have decided to process the special prosecutor law following the elections. President Lee also mentioned on May 4 that "it is essential to clarify the truth through a special prosecutor and to establish judicial justice," highlighting the necessity of the special prosecutor law. However, the relatively close results in the Yeongnam region and some key battlegrounds suggest that the government and ruling party may need to moderate their pace in future governance. While they achieved victories nationwide, there remains significant public sentiment advocating for checks on the government in various regions. As a result, rather than pushing forward with reform tasks unilaterally, the administration is expected to carefully monitor public opinion trends and adjust the pace and priorities of their initiatives. Policies directly related to people's livelihoods and the economy are likely to be approached with caution, fostering social consensus and cooperation with the opposition party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:06:00

Democratic Party Wins Local Elections, Opposition Suffers Defeat The Democratic Party achieved a decisive victory in the local elections and National Assembly by-elections held on June 3, with no unexpected outcomes. The People Power Party had hoped for a last-minute rallying of support, aided by former Presidents Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye campaigning for them, but failed to turn the tide. This outcome is seen as a boost for the administration of President Lee Jae-myung, marking its first year in office. In this election, the Democratic Party was expected to sweep the metropolitan area, and it demonstrated strong support even in the conservative stronghold of Yeongnam. The party attributed its success to high approval ratings for President Lee Jae-myung. Cho Seung-rae, the party's secretary-general, held a briefing at the National Assembly around 10 p.m., stating, "We asked the public to support the president, and they responded." Conversely, the People Power Party, which had expressed optimism about a close contest due to late conservative consolidation, appeared shocked as the results came in. Following the exit polls, the party's leadership has not issued any significant statements regarding the election outcome. Earlier, Jang Dong-hyuk, the party leader, left the counting room without making any comments. The atmosphere in the counting room was filled with sighs and silence. As of 11:50 p.m., the People Power Party was leading in the conservative strongholds of Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam, but was trailing in other regions. In Daegu, known as a conservative bastion, the race remained tight. Throughout the election, the People Power Party attempted to criticize the Lee Jae-myung administration by discussing issues like the cancellation of prosecution special investigations, but their efforts did not resonate with voters. Consequently, calls for the resignation of Jang Dong-hyuk's leadership are expected to intensify. Regarding the election results, Eom Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, told Aju Economy, "With no nationwide elections for the next two years, this is akin to giving a blank check to President Lee and the Democratic Party," adding that it reflects public sentiment allowing the ruling party to govern as it sees fit. He also emphasized that this could be viewed as a judgment on the regressive actions of Jang Dong-hyuk and the People Power Party. 2026-06-04 02:06:00

Choo Mi-ae Thanks Gyeonggi Residents After Winning Governor Election Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate elected as the governor of Gyeonggi Province, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the residents on June 4, stating, "I sincerely thank the citizens for their choice." Choo arrived at the election office in Ingyedong, Suwon, shortly after midnight and received congratulations from members of her campaign committee. Reflecting on her campaign journey, she remarked, "I have never taken an easy path and have always focused on the people. I am truly grateful that the citizens of Gyeonggi trusted my sincerity and chose me." She added, "This choice goes beyond support for me personally; it reflects the Gyeonggi residents' desire for normalization in South Korea and significant change in Gyeonggi Province." Choo pledged to accelerate the 'Gyeonggi Transformation' as an administrator, saying, "I feel a heavy responsibility to ensure that this choice is one that residents will never regret. I will work closely with Gyeonggi lawmakers and local leaders to address the pressing issues of transportation, housing, jobs, and balanced development." She emphasized, "From now on, I will take responsibility for the Gyeonggi Transformation and pave the way for a proud Gyeonggi. I will faithfully uphold the changes and results that the residents desire." With this victory, Choo has made history as the first female head of a metropolitan government, following her record as the longest-serving female lawmaker. However, she downplayed speculation about her potential candidacy in the next presidential election. Choo stated, "I need to earn the trust that I can handle this role well before considering larger responsibilities. I cannot use this position as a means to an end." She added, "I must build trust through my capabilities before thinking about the next steps. Deciding on future ambitions right after being elected does not align with my philosophy or principles." Later that morning, Choo will begin her first official schedule as governor by paying respects at the Suwon Memorial Tower, followed by attending the campaign committee's disbandment ceremony at her election office.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 01:21:00

Will Promises on Railways, Redevelopment, and Subsidies Be Fulfilled After the Election? Following the local elections, voters' attention naturally shifts to the fulfillment of campaign promises. There is growing curiosity about when the various commitments made during the campaign—such as expanding rail and transportation networks, revitalizing redevelopment and reconstruction projects, enhancing welfare for youth and seniors, distributing local currency, and increasing caregiving services—will become a reality. To be clear, promises will not be implemented immediately after the election. The first step following the election is a thorough review of the commitments. Elected local government heads can establish a transition committee once their election is confirmed. This committee assesses the organization, functions, and budget status of the local government, as well as prepares the new leader's policy direction. During this process, campaign promises are reformulated into administrative language. While promises made during the campaign were commitments to “do” something, the transition committee will begin evaluating whether there is funding available, whether amendments to ordinances are necessary, whether discussions with the central government or regional authorities are required, and whether local council approval can be secured. Particularly for promises that involve funding, the budgetary process cannot be bypassed. According to local government law, the budget proposal is prepared by the local government head and submitted to the local council, which then reviews and approves it. The establishment, amendment, or repeal of ordinances, as well as the review and confirmation of budgets, are also matters that require council approval. Therefore, promises that require financial resources, such as expanding local currency, providing youth allowances, supporting senior transportation costs, and offering childbirth and childcare subsidies, cannot be implemented solely based on the new leader's will. It may be necessary to secure related budgets and amend existing ordinances or create new ones. If changes to already approved budgets are required, the preparation of a supplementary budget proposal and the approval process by the local council may also be needed. Large-scale promises, such as redevelopment and reconstruction, road and rail projects, and the establishment of industrial complexes, are even more complex. These issues cannot be resolved solely with the local government's budget; they also involve urban planning, permits, negotiations with the central government and regional authorities, and coordination with private businesses. What appeared as a simple slogan during the election may require multiple procedures once it enters the realm of administration. However, June is not a meaningless period. Rather, it is during this time that the priorities of the promises will be established. The transition committee will reveal which promises are classified as key tasks, which projects will be pursued in the early stages of the term, and which existing projects will be maintained or modified, thereby indicating the direction of the new local government. Voters should pay close attention to this aspect after the election. It is crucial to observe whether the elected official's promises are reflected in the actual budget proposals, organizational restructuring, and plans for advancing ordinances. If pre-election commitments do not transform into post-election administrative plans, they will remain mere slogans. While the local elections have concluded, the verification of promises is just beginning. The transition process that starts immediately after the election will serve as the first test of what the new local government will prioritize, what will be postponed, and what may be effectively abandoned.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 00:03:00

Ruling Democratic Party dominates early vote counting in S. Korea's local elections SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Early vote counting for the June 3 local elections shows the ruling Democratic Party taking the lead in 14 of 16 metropolitan and provincial races, including the Seoul mayoral election. The conservative People Power Party is leading in only one region, North Gyeongsang Province. If the current trend continues, the elections will end in a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party. The early results suggest that voters in the first nationwide elections since President Lee Jae Myung took office a year ago are heavily backing the ruling party. The Democratic Party framed the election as a judgment on the 2024 insurrection and a vote for government stability, countering the opposition's calls to hold the current administration accountable. According to the National Election Commission, 14.0 percent of all votes had been counted as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. In the highly contested Seoul mayoral race, where 5.46 percent of votes have been counted, Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh is leading with 65.72 percent against People Power Party incumbent Oh Se-hoon, who has 31.88 percent. The counting rate remains below average in Seocho and Songpa districts, which are traditional conservative strongholds in the capital. The Seoul mayoral race was marred by logistical issues earlier in the day when polling stations in Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin districts ran out of ballot papers, leaving voters waiting in line. The People Power Party is demanding a halt to the vote counting and calling for a revote in the city. In Gyeonggi Province, Democratic Party candidate Choo Mi-ae leads with 51.07 percent over the People Power Party's Yang Hyang-ja, who has 43.16 percent. In Incheon, Democratic Party candidate Park Chan-dae is ahead with 60.04 percent against the People Power Party's Yoo Jeong-bok at 39.04 percent. The Democratic Party also took early leads in four regions that exit polls conducted by three major broadcasters had projected as tight races: Busan, Daegu, North Jeolla Province, and Gangwon Province. In Busan, the Democratic Party's Jeon Jae-soo leads with 53.60 percent against the People Power Party's Park Hyung-jun. In Daegu, Kim Boo-kyum of the Democratic Party has 53.48 percent, leading the People Power Party's Choo Kyung-ho. In Gangwon Province, the Democratic Party's Woo Sang-ho is ahead of the People Power Party's Kim Jin-tae with 54.00 percent. In North Jeolla Province, Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek is leading independent Kim Kwan-young with 52.52 percent to 41.37 percent. Democratic Party candidates Min Hyung-bae in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City and Wi Seong-gon in Jeju Province are certain to win, securing 81.62 percent and 61.35 percent, respectively. For the People Power Party, Lee Cheol-woo is the likely winner in North Gyeongsang Province with 64.64 percent. The race for South Gyeongsang Province governor remains a dead heat with 14.98 percent of the votes counted. Democratic Party candidate Kim Kyoung-soo has 49.71 percent, narrowly trailing the People Power Party's Park Wan-soo at 50.28 percent. The Democratic Party is also dominating the 14 parliamentary by-elections held alongside the local elections. In the Busan Buk-gap district, with 8.7 percent of votes counted, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo is leading with 53.37 percent. He is comfortably ahead of independent Han Dong-hoon at 38.55 percent and the People Power Party's Park Min-shik at 8.06 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Pyeongtaek-eul district, where 6.1 percent of the vote has been counted, Rebuilding Korea Party candidate Cho Kuk is leading a three-way race with 38.12 percent. He is followed by the Democratic Party's Kim Yong-nam at 32.80 percent and the People Power Party's Yu Eui-dong at 23.76 percent. In the Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang district of South Chungcheong Province, Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-bin leads with 55.06 percent against the People Power Party's Yoon Yong-geun at 39.26 percent, with 10.48 percent of votes counted. In Ulsan's Nam-gap district, traditionally considered a conservative stronghold, Democratic Party candidate Jeon Tae-jin is leading with 57.41 percent against the People Power Party's Kim Tae-gyu at 37.40 percent, based on a counting rate of 8.7 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Hanam-gap district, which saw a razor-thin margin in the previous general election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Kwang-jae is leading with 66.42 percent against the People Power Party's Lee Yong at 31.66 percent, with 14.0 percent of the vote counted. The People Power Party is securing a significant lead in Daegu's Dalseong-gun district, where Lee Jin-sook has 64.54 percent compared to the Democratic Party's Park Hyung-ryong at 35.45 percent, with 32.3 percent of the vote counted. Of the 14 seats contested in the by-elections, 13 were previously held by the Democratic Party and one by the People Power Party. 2026-06-03 23:59:28

Cabinet Reshuffle Expected Following Democratic Party Victory in Local Elections 6·3 local elections concluded without surprises, resulting in a victory for the ruling Democratic Party, which has shifted focus to the formation of the second Cabinet of the people's sovereignty government.According to political sources on June 3, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to initiate a Cabinet reshuffle soon.The most significant focus is on the Prime Minister position. Kim Min-seok, who is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the party leadership, is likely to submit his resignation within this month. On June 2, he held a farewell dinner with Cabinet members at the Prime Minister's residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, which some in the political arena interpreted as a goodbye gathering.The attention on the next Prime Minister is heightened not only because it is a key appointment but also because potential candidates are already serving in the Cabinet.In the Blue House, speculation has arisen that Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom could be appointed as the next Prime Minister. As the administration enters its second year, it is essential to demonstrate governance achievements, making the likelihood of surprising external appointments low.Among current Cabinet members, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Koo Yun-cheol, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan, and Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung are also being considered.Minister Jeong passed the 28th Judicial Examination and graduated from the Judicial Research and Training Institute alongside President Lee. He has maintained a close relationship with the President for nearly 40 years, often referred to as a leader of the pro-Lee faction during Lee's tenure as Democratic Party leader.On the same day, President Lee encouraged voting through a message on X (formerly Twitter), announcing Minister Jeong's entry into social media and urging followers to support him.As Prime Minister Kim's resignation is anticipated, the nomination of his successor will likely lead to appointments of other ministers and Blue House aides.There are indications that evaluations of the first Cabinet's performance have concluded. A significant reshuffle involving three to four ministries is expected, creating a tense atmosphere within those departments. Given President Lee's governance style, a thorough performance-based reshuffle is anticipated. The second Cabinet appointments are expected to resume around July, coinciding with departmental reports.If Minister Jeong is not nominated as the next Prime Minister, he is expected to retain his position. Minister Kim, who heads the Ministry of Trade, is likely to remain in his role due to the continuity required in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations and the transition to AI in manufacturing.Ministers Jeong Dong-young (Unification), Park Jin (Foreign Affairs), Ahn Gyu-baek (Defense), and Baek Kyung-hun (Science and ICT) may also be included in the reshuffle.The reshuffle of Blue House aides is also imminent. The vacancies left by former Chief of Future Planning for AI Ha Jung-woo and former spokespersons Kim Nam-jun and Jeon Eun-soo, who left to run in the elections, will need to be filled. There is also speculation that individuals who campaigned but unfortunately lost may be considered for future talent pools.Additionally, rumors of personnel changes at the senior secretary level are circulating within and outside the ruling party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:57:00

Democratic Party Poised for Unprecedented Power Grab in Local Elections The Democratic Party has achieved a significant victory in the June 3 local elections, positioning itself to gain control over legislative, central administrative, and local powers, a feat described as a "triple crown." According to Yonhap News, as of 10 p.m. on June 3, the Democratic Party is leading in 14 out of 16 regional governor elections. If this trend continues, the party will secure its third consecutive national election victory, following its wins in the 2024 general elections and last year's early presidential election. Political analysts believe that if the Democratic Party secures local power in addition to its majority in the National Assembly and control of the central government, it will achieve an unprecedented level of governance. Since the introduction of simultaneous local elections in 1995, there have been few instances of a party effectively controlling the legislative, central, and local governments. The closest comparison to this outcome is the 2018 local elections, held a year after the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration, where the Democratic Party won 14 out of 17 regional governorships. However, at that time, the Democratic Party held only about 120 seats in the National Assembly, failing to secure a majority. The opposition parties, including the Liberty Korea Party (now the People Power Party), the Bareunmirae Party, and the Democratic Peace Party, were able to exert checks on the party's power, unlike the current overwhelming power structure. The Democratic Party gained legislative dominance in the 2020 general elections, but by then, the Moon administration was entering its later stages, limiting its governance capabilities. In the 1998 local elections during the Kim Dae-jung administration, the ruling party won regional governorships, but the Grand National Party held a majority in the National Assembly, creating a divided government. Similarly, in the local elections held shortly after the inauguration of Yoon Suk Yeol's administration in 2022, the People Power Party secured local power, while the Democratic Party remained the majority in the National Assembly. The simultaneous control of legislative, executive, and local powers is a rare occurrence in South Korean political history. The Democratic Party's success is attributed to the timing of the elections, which took place just one year after the establishment of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Analysts suggest that the party's high approval ratings and the ineffectiveness of the opposition's calls for a government accountability narrative contributed to its success, along with the effectiveness of the party's message regarding the need to resolve past conflicts. The Democratic Party has emphasized its role in stabilizing the nation following the national chaos triggered by the December 3 emergency situation under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, highlighting achievements in economic and diplomatic areas. The message that local governments led by Yoon's administration should also be replaced resonated with voters, influencing the election results. Shin Yul, a professor at Myongji University, stated in a conversation with Yonhap News, "The People Power Party's inability to move beyond the issue of 'Yoon Suk Yeol' has led to this concentration of power. The government and ruling party will likely view this local election as a reaffirmation of public trust."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:57:00

Voter Turnout Reaches 61.0% in Local Elections, Second Highest Ever The final voter turnout for the 9th nationwide local elections exceeded 60%, marking the second highest turnout in the history of local elections. However, delays in vote counting are expected due to a shortage of ballots in some areas of Seoul. According to the National Election Commission, as of 11 PM, 27,222,909 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters had cast their ballots, resulting in a preliminary turnout of 61.0%. The final tally may be delayed due to ballot shortages in certain regions of Seoul. Regionally, the highest turnout was reported in Jeonnam at 65.7%, followed by Gangwon (64.5%), Gyeongnam (64.4%), and both Ulsan and Daegu at 64.2%. In contrast, Gwangju (54.3%), Jeju (56.4%), Incheon (58.2%), Gyeonggi (58.4%), and Chungnam (58.8%) recorded turnout rates below the national average. This local election drew significant interest from the outset, with early voting on May 29-30 achieving a record turnout of 23.51%, the highest for any local election. This strong early turnout likely influenced the participation in the main voting day. The final turnout is the second highest since the first local elections in 1994, which saw a turnout of 68.4%. Additionally, this marks only the third time in history that turnout has exceeded 60%, following the first and seventh local elections (60.2%). For the first time in local elections, the ballot verification process introduced in the 22nd National Assembly elections was implemented. The election commission will follow a series of procedures, including sorting ballots by election type, using ballot sorting machines, verifying counts, and confirming results before announcing the final tally. A total of 4,227 officials will be elected through this voting, including heads of regional governments, education superintendents, local government heads, and members of regional and local councils. The terms for the elected officials will begin on July 1 and run until June 30, 2030. Additionally, 14 members of the National Assembly will be elected from districts such as Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Buk-gap in Busan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:54:00

Former justice minister Choo Mi-ae to become first female provincial governor in South Korea SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - The Ruling Democratic Party candidate and former justice minister Choo Mi-ae is certain to win the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial race, making her the first woman to head a metropolitan or provincial government in South Korean history. According to the National Election Commission on Wednesday, Choo is projected to defeat People Power Party candidate Yang Hyang-ja in the June 3 local elections. The six-term lawmaker maintained a wide lead over Yang throughout the campaign, cementing her victory early on. Her win breaks a long-standing glass ceiling in South Korean politics. Since the country introduced nationwide local elections in 1995, women have consistently run for top regional posts but have never won. The closest attempts occurred in 2022 and 2010. In the 2022 Gyeonggi governor race, conservative candidate Kim Eun-hye lost to Democratic Party candidate Kim Dong-yeon by a margin of 0.15 percentage points after a tight race that stretched into the morning after election day. In 2010, Democratic Party candidate Han Myeong-sook lost the Seoul mayoral election to Oh Se-hoon by 0.2 percentage points. During the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, running for the Democratic Party, lost to Oh by 18.3 percentage points, securing 39.2 percent of the vote. Female representation among candidates for top regional posts declined this year. Only five women, or 9.8 percent of 51 candidates, ran for metropolitan mayoral or gubernatorial seats, roughly half of 18.2 percent seen in the 2022 elections. Choo is the only woman to win such a post this year. In 2022, all 10 female candidates running for these positions lost. A former judge from Daegu, Choo entered politics in 1995 after being recruited by former President Kim Dae-jung, who was then leading the National Congress for New Politics. She earned the nickname "Choo d'Arc" -- combining her surname with Joan of Arc -- after leading a campaign group in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that helped secure Kim's 1997 presidential win. Choo was first elected to the National Assembly in 1996 for Seoul's Gwangjin-eul district. She went on to represent the district for five terms in the 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th parliaments. She was elected party leader at the Democratic Party convention in 2020 and served as justice minister during the Moon Jae-in administration. In the recent 22nd general election, she secured her sixth term after receiving a strategic nomination for Gyeonggi Province's Hanam District. Although considered a strong contender for National Assembly speaker in the first half of the 22nd parliament, she lost the internal party primary to Woo Won-shik. She then took the helm of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, spearheading efforts to pass prosecution reform bills. Choo is widely regarded as a prominent hardliner within her party, known for her strong drive and clear political stances. Because her term as Gyeonggi governor will end in 2030, a timeline that aligns with the next South Korean presidential election, political watchers view her as a potential presidential contender. 2026-06-03 23:49:32

Unprecedented Voting Paper Shortage in Local Elections Sparks Outrage An unprecedented shortage of voting papers occurred during the local elections held on June 3. The National Election Commission (NEC) arranged for emergency deliveries of voting papers and allowed voters waiting at polling stations to cast their ballots even after the official closing time. However, some voters at over ten polling places, including those in Seoul, chose to abandon their votes. In response to the growing controversy, Heo Cheol-ho, Secretary General of the NEC, expressed deep regret for undermining public trust and promised to implement measures to prevent a recurrence. According to the NEC, the polling places affected by the shortage included 14 locations in districts such as Songpa-gu's Garak 2-dong, Jamsil 2-dong, Jamsil 4-dong, Jamsil 7-dong, Munjeong 2-dong, Gangnam-gu's Cheongdam-dong, and Gwangjin-gu's Guui 3-dong. However, the People Power Party reported that 17 polling places, including those outside Seoul, experienced a lack of voting papers. Notably, at the second polling place in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, voting hours were extended until 10 p.m., leading some voters to abandon their ballots or wait to confirm the counting process before voting. Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the NEC to demand a halt to the vote counting. The party maintains that a re-election should be conducted if necessary. Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, stated, "Vote counting should be suspended until measures are in place for areas where voting could not occur," emphasizing that no one should have their voting rights infringed upon. In contrast, Jo Seung-rae, Secretary General of the Democratic Party, expressed strong regret over the NEC's mismanagement but dismissed the People Power Party's calls for a vote counting halt and re-election as unwarranted. Interestingly, most of the areas affected by the voting paper shortage are known to have strong conservative support, suggesting that the repercussions of this incident may continue for some time after the election concludes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:39:00