Choo Kyung-ho Wins Daegu Mayoral Election, Vows to Revive Local Economy Choo Kyung-ho of the People Power Party has been elected as the mayor of Daegu, defeating Kim Boo-kyum of the Democratic Party. According to the National Election Commission, as of 2:51 a.m. on June 4, Choo had secured 481,418 votes, or 52.81%, leading Kim by a margin of 60,609 votes. Kim acknowledged his defeat around 2:30 a.m., expressing regret for not meeting expectations and congratulating Choo on his victory. Following Kim's concession, Choo returned to the election office to thank his supporters. He stated, "I bow my head in gratitude to the citizens who have opened a new future for Daegu with their great choice." Choo emphasized the significance of the election results, declaring, "The message is clear: I will respond to the citizens' stern command to revive the fallen Daegu economy and awaken its potential with tangible results." He also extended his condolences and gratitude to Kim, stating, "I will also respect the wishes of citizens who chose other candidates," and pledged to be a mayor focused solely on the development of Daegu. In conclusion, Choo affirmed, "I will steadfastly push forward with the overhaul of the Daegu economy, working diligently to revive it and awaken the city's potential."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 03:12:00

Election Results: Han Dong-hoon Wins, Jo Guk Loses in Local Elections Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon and Jo Guk of the Justice Party received mixed results in the June 3 local elections. Han secured a victory in the Busan Buk-gap by-election, marking a significant political comeback, while Jo's attempt to return to the National Assembly was unsuccessful, raising questions about their future political paths. As of 2 a.m. on June 4, the National Election Commission reported that Han won the Busan Buk-gap by-election with 42.99% of the vote. Upon confirmation of his victory, Han expressed gratitude to the citizens of Buk-gu, stating, "This historic victory opens the path for the future of Buk-gu and the rebuilding of conservatism. I will work to develop Buk-gu, restore conservatism, and control the runaway government of Lee Jae-myung to restore balance in South Korea." Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo received 41.24% of the votes, failing to secure a seat in the Assembly. At the same time, Jo received 27.44% of the votes in the Pyeongtaek-eul district, resulting in a defeat. In that district, Yoo Yi-dong of the People Power Party, a three-term incumbent, is projected to win with 34.59% of the vote. Jo's candidacy in Pyeongtaek-eul was part of a five-way race. Alongside Jo, candidates included Kim Jae-yeon of the Justice Party, Hwang Kyo-ahn of the Liberty and Innovation Party, Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party, and Yoo Yi-dong of the People Power Party. Discussions of a potential unification among candidates ultimately fell through. During a rally in Goddeok-dong the day before the election, Jo urged voters, saying, "Now, the voters, the citizens of Pyeongtaek, must unify through their votes. If you make me the overwhelming number one, I will lead the solidarity and integration of the entire democratic progressive camp with that strength," but it was not enough to secure a win. In Busan Buk-gap, Han faced off against political newcomer Ha Jung-woo, a former chief of AI at the Blue House, who ran as the Democratic Party candidate. During his final campaign rally, Ha stated, "Together with Jeon Jae-soo, I will lead the development of Busan. If the unbeatable fleet of Lee Jae-myung, Jeon Jae-soo, and Ha Jung-woo sets sail, Busan will grow beyond being Korea's second city to become the world's top maritime city." Leading up to the election, polls indicated a tight race, prompting intense scrutiny from both parties. The Democratic Party leadership held its first on-site meeting in Pyeongtaek-eul on the last day of early voting, targeting Jo with last-minute efforts to sway voters. Jo Seung-rae, the party's secretary-general, criticized Jo, stating, "A fake Democratic candidate is misleading people as if he were the real one. I urge you to vote for the real Democratic candidate, Kim Yong-nam." As Han's support surged, both parties ramped up their attacks. Jeong Cheong-rae, the Democratic Party leader, appeared on a news program on May 28, describing Han's rise as a "kind of optical illusion" and calling for caution. Park Min-sik, another candidate, dismissed Han's support, claiming, "There is a tremendous bubble that I feel almost daily." He criticized Han, saying, "He will use Buk-gu as a disposable fire starter for his political ambitions, regardless of conservatism." The implications of Han's victory and Jo's defeat are expected to shift the political landscape. Han has indicated plans to rejoin the People Power Party. In a press conference at his Busan campaign office on June 1, he stated, "I have lived a political life with waves, but I have never compromised my beliefs. I promised that I would return on the day I was unjustly expelled by the faction of Jang Dong-hyuk, and I will keep that promise." Conversely, Jo's loss raises uncertainties about the Justice Party's position in the Assembly. Jo had previously indicated plans to initiate discussions about merging with the Democratic Party. However, the Democratic Party has distanced itself from any connection between Jo's election outcome and a potential merger. Hwang Myung-seon, a senior member of the Democratic Party, stated during a meeting of the headquarters team on May 30, "As a member of the Supreme Council, I want to make it clear that I am not considering a merger between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party after the election."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 03:09:00

Lee Won-taek Secures Victory in Jeonbuk Governor Race, Defeating Kim Kwan-young Lee Won-taek of the Democratic Party has emerged victorious in the Jeonbuk gubernatorial race, defeating independent candidate Kim Kwan-young. The Democratic Party has successfully retained its stronghold in the region. As of 2:40 a.m., Lee was leading Kim by nearly 10 percentage points, with results indicating a clear path to victory. Upon confirming his win, Lee stated, "Today’s victory is not just mine, but a great win for the people of Jeonbuk who believe in the future of our province and in the Democratic Party and the Lee Jae-myung government." The election process saw tensions between the Democratic Party leadership and Kim, making Jeonbuk an unexpectedly competitive battleground. There were concerns that if Kim won reelection, it could jeopardize the party leadership. Previously, Kim was expelled from the Democratic Party over allegations of bribery, which he contested as a hasty decision by the leadership. Following his expulsion, Lee and lawmaker Ahn Ho-young competed in a primary, with Lee ultimately being selected as the candidate. However, Lee’s victory in the primary was also marred by controversy, as allegations surfaced regarding the party's fairness in the selection process, particularly concerning meal expenses during the campaign. Ahn, after Lee's nomination, demanded an investigation into these allegations and even staged a hunger strike, which led to him being hospitalized. With Lee's election, the government and the Democratic Party are expected to collaborate on the Saemangeum project, a major issue for the Jeonbuk region, potentially accelerating progress on this initiative.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 03:00:00

Lee Jin-sook Wins Daegu Dalseong District By-Election, Joins National Assembly Lee Jin-sook of the People Power Party has won the by-election for the Dalseong District in Daegu, successfully entering the National Assembly. In her victory speech, she stated, "As a member of the National Assembly chosen by the people of Dalseong, I will dedicate all my efforts to protecting a free Republic of Korea." According to the National Election Commission, Lee secured 62.91% of the votes, defeating Park Hyung-ryong of the Democratic Party, who garnered 37.08%. This by-election was necessitated by the candidacy of Choo Kyung-ho for the mayoral election in Daegu. A former MBC reporter, Lee previously served as the chairperson of the Korea Communications Commission during the Yoon Suk-yeol administration. Although her tenure was interrupted by impeachment proceedings led by the Democratic Party, she returned to her position following a Constitutional Court ruling. Lee initially aimed to run for mayor of Daegu but was cut off during the party's nomination process. She later hinted at running as an independent but ultimately withdrew and was nominated unopposed for the Dalseong by-election. In her acceptance remarks, Lee expressed gratitude for the support she received during the campaign, saying, "I will not forget the heartfelt encouragement from the residents to 'move forward confidently without wavering.' I will do my utmost to achieve greater progress and development for Dalseong."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:57:00

Han Dong-hoon Wins Busan North District by-election, Aims to Restore Balance in South Korea Han Dong-hoon, an independent candidate, has won the by-election for the Busan North District seat in the National Assembly. According to the National Election Commission on June 4, Han secured his victory by a margin of 1,425 votes over Ha Jung-woo, the candidate from the Democratic Party. Upon confirmation of his election, Han expressed his gratitude, stating, "I sincerely thank the great citizens of Buk-gu for opening the path to a historic victory for the future of our district and the revival of conservatism." He pledged to prioritize the interests of Buk-gu residents, Busan citizens, and the people of South Korea in fulfilling his responsibilities. "I will focus on the development of Buk-gu, the rebuilding of conservatism, and controlling the runaway government of Lee Jae-myung to restore balance in South Korea," he vowed. Han also remarked, "I have realized how formidable and awe-inspiring public sentiment is. I will be a politician who listens to the people's voice." Regarding his plans to rejoin the People Power Party, he stated, "Specific plans are not important; I will keep my promise to return." He further addressed the leadership of Jang Dong-hyuk, asserting, "This election was not just about my evaluation. The urgent need for conservative revival is what the citizens have mandated us to achieve."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:45:00

Min Hyung-bae Elected as First Mayor of Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju Min Hyung-bae of the Democratic Party has been elected as the first mayor of the Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju. According to the National Election Commission, as of 2 a.m. on June 4, with 87.16% of the votes counted, Min secured 79.02% of the total votes. He decisively defeated Lee Jeong-hyun of the People Power Party, who received 11.58%, as well as Kang Eun-mi of the Justice Party with 3.92%, Lee Jong-wook of the Progressive Party with 3.72%, and independent candidate Kim Kwang-man, who garnered 1.74%. After the announcement of his election victory on June 3 at his campaign office in Seo-gu, Gwangju, Min expressed his gratitude, stating, "You have entrusted me with the significant responsibility of being the mayor of the Integrated Jeonnam-Gwangju. I sincerely thank you and will honor the choice of the citizens." He added, "We stand at the threshold of South Korea's first and only integrated special city. This is an opportunity for Jeonnam and Gwangju to unite and become a new growth axis for the country. Together with the citizens, we will pave this new path and demonstrate overwhelming growth led by the region." Min also emphasized his commitment to creating opportunities for growth, stating, "I will provide young people with the chance to dream in their hometowns, ensure reliable care for families raising children, and guarantee seniors access to nearby hospitals and a safe daily life." He concluded by pledging to establish a citizen-led government where administrative actions follow the decisions of the people.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:36:00

Song Young-gil Poised for Return to National Assembly After By-Election Victory Former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil is set to return to the National Assembly, with expectations of making a significant impact at the party's convention in August. As of 2 a.m. on June 4, Song is projected to win the by-election for the Incheon Yeonsu-gap district, leading by a substantial margin over his opponent, Park Jong-jin of the People Power Party. Upon confirming his likely victory, Song visited his campaign office and stated, "I will be a strong support for the Lee Jae-myung government," adding, "I will work hard to help the Democratic Party maintain its focus." He emphasized, "I take seriously the residents' demand for a politics that is evaluated based on ability and results. I will devote all my efforts to the development of Yeonsu." This marks Song's anticipated return to the National Assembly after resigning his seat in 2022 to run for mayor of Seoul. Should he return, he is expected to compete for party leadership against figures such as Jeong Cheong-rae and Kim Min-seok. During the election period, Song expressed his dissent against the party leadership's decisions and indicated he might enter the leadership race if called upon by party members. If elected, Song will achieve his sixth term in the National Assembly, joining fellow Democratic Party member Jo Jeong-sik, who has also been nominated as a candidate for National Assembly Speaker, as one of the longest-serving members in the party. Song has shifted from his previous constituency in Incheon Gyeyang-gu to run in Incheon Yeonsu-gap this time.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:24:00

Experts Urge Focus on Livelihoods and Community Unity After Local Elections The first nationwide election since the launch of the Lee Jae-myung administration has concluded. In the June 3 local elections, 4,227 officials were elected, including heads of regional governments, education superintendents, local government heads, and various council members. Additionally, 14 vacant National Assembly seats were filled by local voters. In an interview with Aju Economy on June 3, six political analysts identified improving livelihoods and revitalizing local economies as the top priorities for the newly elected officials. They also emphasized the need to unify a divided public sentiment during the election period. It was suggested that this process could lead to competition for party leadership and a realignment of the political landscape between progressive and conservative factions. "Livelihoods Are on the Brink... Local Governments Must Step Up" Experts unanimously agreed that newly elected officials must prioritize improving livelihoods and local economies. They also advised that elected leaders in the metropolitan area should address real estate issues. Given the number of regional governments that have seen leadership changes, there is a strong call for these officials to demonstrate a new approach. Eom Kyung-young, head of the Era Spirit Research Institute, stated, "Despite recent positive developments in exports and the stock market, the polarization of real income and regional economic stagnation are worsening. Improving livelihoods and revitalizing local economies should be the top priority through collaboration with the central government or alliances with other regional governments." Political analyst Park Sang-byeong remarked, "Livelihoods are not just on the brink; they have already fallen off the edge. The central government must look at the entire nation, so local governments need to take responsibility for livelihoods. It is the mandate of the citizens for mayors and governors to embrace the declining livelihoods." Choi Jin, head of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, advised, "Do not be overly swayed by central politics; focus all efforts on revitalizing the local economy. Given the difficulties in local economies, there must be a concerted effort to recover in the short term." The intense rivalry between the ruling and opposition parties during the local election process, along with internal conflicts over party nominations, underscored the importance of unity. Leaders must demonstrate the ability to mend divided public sentiment and move toward common goals. Political analyst Lee Jong-hoon emphasized, "It is crucial for elected officials to fulfill their campaign promises, but those who win by narrow margins must pay more attention to unity. They should pursue a pragmatic approach to foster community integration." Choi Yo-han, another political analyst, added, "I hope the government and local authorities can work together as co-responsible entities chosen by voters, transforming crises into opportunities, rather than engaging in passive administration where the state supports and the region merely executes." Next Nationwide Election in Two Years... Accelerating Political Landscape Changes With no nationwide elections scheduled until the April 2028 general election, both progressive and conservative factions are expected to undergo a realignment. Experts predict an intensification of the internal power struggle within the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, urging a swift resolution of internal conflicts. The results of this local election are not anticipated to significantly impact the next general election. Voters are likely to base their decisions more on evaluations of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the Democratic Party regarding central political issues rather than the political landscape of local power. Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, noted, "Theoretically, local power can activate regional organizations, but general elections are more influenced by central political issues. In the 2024 general election, the People Power Party held local power, yet the Democratic Party secured nearly all the seats." However, some experts argue that the winning party in local elections, often referred to as grassroots democracy, cannot be overlooked as it may provide an advantageous position for the next general election. Choi Jin stated, "Controlling local power can create favorable conditions in both physical and institutional aspects." Experts are focusing more on the immediate internal power struggles within the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, as well as the potential realignment of the progressive and conservative political landscape, rather than the general election two years from now. The Democratic Party is preparing for its national convention in August, while the People Power Party faces growing skepticism about the 'Jang Dong-hyuk regime' due to the election results, making internal competition for leadership inevitable. Additionally, discussions about the integration and reorganization of the progressive camp, including the Democratic Party and the Justice Party, as well as competition for leadership or potential splits within the conservative camp, are also expected to emerge. Choi Jin predicted, "The Democratic Party's national convention will be heated. Conflicts between factions will intensify as they prepare for the next presidential election," adding that the conflicts arising from the election period between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party may cause discussions on integration to temporarily subside. There are also suggestions that the Democratic Party should focus more on re-establishing its government rather than internal power struggles. Park Sang-byeong warned, "While we will unite for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration and the re-establishment of the government after the election, internal disputes will continue. However, the more important factor is achieving tangible results. Without concrete achievements, we will not receive votes in the next general election." Experts also raised the possibility of renewed discussions on the merger between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party, which had surfaced earlier this year. Park Sang-byeong stated, "It will be difficult for the Democratic Party and the Justice Party to separate before the general election. The manner of their integration will be crucial, depending on whether Justice Party leader Cho Kuk enters the National Assembly, which will determine whether it is an equal merger or an absorption merger." However, some believe that the intense clashes between the two parties during this election, coupled with the imminent Democratic Party national convention, could serve as variables in the reorganization of the progressive camp. The People Power Party is also expected to face sharp conflicts among its factions. Choi Jin predicted, "The pro-Yoon (supporters of President Yoon Suk-yeol) and anti-Yoon factions will fight fiercely, as they must seek a path forward for the next general election while engaging in a bloody struggle for leadership." Analysts suggest that the by-elections will have a greater impact on the internal power dynamics of the People Power Party than the local elections. Shin Yul stated, "Chairman Jang will not relinquish his position regardless of the outcome. The conservative camp's dynamics will depend heavily on former leader Han Dong-hoon's entry into the National Assembly, which will influence various scenarios and the presidential race." There are also concerns that the Jang Dong-hyuk regime may collapse following the local election defeat, or that a new conservative party may emerge. Eom Kyung-young predicted, "The People Power Party will inevitably distance itself from the far-right factions known as 'Yoon Again.' The leadership of Jang Dong-hyuk has been significantly undermined due to the local elections, indicating a potential transitional period for establishing new leadership." Park Sang-byeong also noted, "The conflict between those trying to maintain the Jang Dong-hyuk regime and those seeking to dismantle it will continue until the next general election. If the internal situation does not change significantly as the general election approaches, a new conservative party may emerge."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-04 02:06:00

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