Ok-soon Requests Editing Amid Controversy and Pregnancy Rumors on 'I Am Solo' Ok-soon, a participant in the 31st season of the ENA·SBS Plus dating program 'I Am SOLO', has reportedly requested edits to her broadcast appearances, sparking a flurry of speculation and rumors online. Recent posts on various online communities have circulated claims from an anonymous workplace forum. One post alleges that "Ok-soon is pregnant and has been diagnosed with a nervous breakdown, requiring complete rest." It further claims that she requested edits from the production team, stating, "If there are any issues with the baby, I will hold you responsible," and that her initial request was denied until she mentioned drastic measures, leading to her request being accepted. Another post discusses the final couple combinations from 'I Am SOLO' Season 31, mentioning Young-ho & Ok-soon, Young-sik & Jeong-hee, and Gyeong-soo & Young-sook. However, these claims remain unverified and are based on speculation circulating online prior to the broadcast. As these posts gained traction, reactions from netizens followed. Some expressed skepticism, stating, "Did she come on the show just to find a doctor husband and edit the show to her liking?" and "Soon-ja was ostracized, and now this is the outcome." Others noted, "She must have been very happy before the show, but now the atmosphere has completely changed." The controversy has intensified, intertwining with previous discussions around the 'behind-the-scenes' controversy. During the broadcast, a scene showed Ok-soon conversing with Young-sook and Jeong-hee while excluding Soon-ja, prompting viewers to question whether there was an atmosphere of exclusion or pressure against a specific participant. Additionally, an unreleased video from Season 31, shared on the YouTube channel 'Chonjang Entertainment TV', reignited the debate as it featured Ok-soon making remarks to Soon-ja like, "Why does it feel like a funeral?" and "Are you jealous?" This video was removed just two days after its release. Recently, some online communities have suggested that the production team may consider completely editing out parts of future broadcasts, leading to ongoing speculation among viewers. As of now, the production team has not issued any official statements regarding the rumors circulating online. 2026-05-14 07:50:53

KOSPI Surge Raises Concerns for Inverse ETFs as Prices Plummet ◆Major News from Ajou Economics ▷"If KOSPI Hits 12,000, Will Inverse ETFs Drop to Zero?"... Inverse ETFs Face Delisting Risk Amid KOSPI Rally - According to the Korea Exchange on May 13, prices of KOSPI 200 leveraged ETFs, including KODEX 200 Futures Inverse 2X, TIGER 200 Futures Inverse 2X, RISE 200 Futures Inverse 2X, and KIWOOM 200 Futures Inverse 2X, have all fallen to the 100 won range. Only PLUS 200 Futures Inverse 2X remains above 200 won. - Following KOSPI's historic breach of 7,000 points on May 6, the index surged to nearly 7,999 points on May 12, continuing its strong upward trend. This rapid increase has led to significant losses for leveraged ETFs betting on a decline in the index. A year ago, these products had total net assets exceeding 5 billion won, but many are now nearing delisting criteria, except for KODEX and TIGER products. - Industry experts suggest that if the KOSPI's upward trend continues for an extended period, the prices of leveraged ETFs could theoretically approach zero due to the compounding negative effects characteristic of inverse leveraged ETFs during rising market conditions. - However, asset management firms are not currently considering delisting, citing substantial demand from individual investors. - Market analysts attribute the heightened caution regarding KOSPI's overheating to factors such as Middle East risks, valuation pressures, and the 'Sell in May' sentiment. They explain that funds are flowing into leveraged ETFs as investors bet on a potential correction following the recent rapid rise. ◆Key Reports ▷Domestic Risks Ease Amid Hopes for U.S.-China Talks, KOSPI Could Reach 8,000 with Just 2% Gain - On May 13, the semiconductor sector rebounded just one day after experiencing a decline due to domestic risks, contributing to a reversal in KOSPI's fortunes. The ongoing labor dispute at Samsung Electronics remains a concern, but government officials have assured that a strike is unacceptable and that they will support negotiations to resolve the issue. - The previously raised issue of national dividend payments has been dismissed as a personal opinion, leading to a calming of domestic risks. Despite foreign investors continuing to sell large-cap semiconductor stocks for five consecutive trading days, the influx of bargain-hunting by institutions and individual investors has driven the semiconductor sector's recovery, supporting the index's rise. - A high-level meeting is scheduled for May 14 in Beijing between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott P. Hensarling and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to coordinate the agenda for a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, who is expected to request greater access to the Chinese market. The anticipated attendance of Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, who was previously rumored to be absent, has further fueled market optimism. ◆Major Announcements After Market Close (May 13) ▷Hyper Corporation Announces 20 Billion Won Shareholder Allocation Capital Increase ▷HLB Pharmaceuticals Announces 120 Billion Won Shareholder Allocation Capital Increase ▷Samyang Foods Reports Record Q1 Earnings Driven by 'Fire Noodle' Craze, Operating Profit Up 32% ▷Korea Electric Power Corporation Reports Q1 Operating Profit of 3.7842 Trillion Won, Up 0.8% Year-on-Year ▷Emart Reports Q1 Operating Profit of 178.3 Billion Won, Up 11.9% Year-on-Year ▷CJ Logistics Reports Q1 Operating Profit of 92.1 Billion Won, Up 7.9% Year-on-Year ◆Fund Trends (As of May 12, Excluding ETFs) ▷Domestic Equity: 9.6 Billion Won ▷Overseas Equity: -41.2 Billion Won ◆Key Schedule for Today (May 14) ▷UK: Q1 GDP Growth Rate, Industrial Production (March) ▷US: Retail Sales (April)* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 07:48:00

Korean Economy Expected to Improve Amid Semiconductor Boom The Bank of Korea will hold a monetary policy meeting on May 28 to announce its revised economic outlook. This will be the first forecast since the economy exceeded expectations in the first quarter, drawing significant attention. With a clear structural improvement in the semiconductor sector, there is keen interest in how much the Bank will raise its annual economic growth forecast for this year. According to the Bank of Korea, the initial forecast for the first quarter's real GDP growth was around 0.9%. However, the actual growth rate was 1.7%, nearly double the Bank's projection. Analysts suggest that even if the remaining quarters see zero growth, an annual growth rate in the 2% range is still likely. Major domestic research institutions and the government have already adjusted their growth expectations upward. The Korea Development Institute (KDI) raised its growth forecast from 1.9% to 2.5%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points. The Korea Financial Research Institute also revised its estimate from 2.1% to 2.8%. Domestic securities firms, including KB Securities and Samsung Securities (2.7%), Meritz Securities (2.6%), NH Investment & Securities (2.5%), Hana Securities (2.4%), and Hyundai Motor Securities (2.3%), expect growth to be stronger than previously anticipated. The driving force behind this growth is undoubtedly the semiconductor industry. The demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and server memory continues to expand due to the proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI), contributing to record-high current account surpluses. In March, the current account surplus reached $37.33 billion, significantly surpassing the previous record of $23.19 billion in February. A Bank of Korea official stated, "Companies are increasing capital investments, and imports of capital goods are also rising significantly. Given the trends in semiconductor export prices and volumes, the semiconductor sector is not expected to face any major disruptions." Global market perspectives are even more optimistic than domestic forecasts. Recently, the average growth forecast from eight major investment banks has risen to around 2.4%. JP Morgan provided the most optimistic estimate, increasing its projection from 2.2% to 3.0%, while Citigroup (2.9%) and Goldman Sachs (2.5%) raised their forecasts by 0.7 and 0.6 percentage points, respectively. Barclays also adjusted its estimate from 2.0% to 2.4%. There is speculation that the Bank of Korea may raise its growth forecast this year. On May 11, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Koo Yun-cheol indicated that, buoyed by the semiconductor boom and rising exports, the economic growth rate would likely exceed the target of 2.0%. Historically, the Bank has adjusted its growth forecasts upward following unexpected growth in the first quarter. For instance, after the first quarter of 2024 saw a GDP growth rate of 1.30%, well above the expected 0.50%, the Bank raised its annual growth forecast from 2.1% to 2.5% in its May revision. However, inflation remains a significant concern for the Bank of Korea. Ongoing supply-side pressures due to the prolonged conflict in the Middle East are contributing to rising inflation. The consumer price inflation rate has shown a sharp upward trend, with increases of 2.0% in January, 2.0% in February, 2.2% in March, and 2.6% in April, all significantly above the Bank's inflation target of 2.0%. Lee Dong-won, head of the Bank's Economic Statistics Division, noted, "As inflationary pressures increase, there are downward factors affecting growth. The final growth trajectory will depend on the trends in semiconductor exports and the effectiveness of government policies."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 07:46:08

Search Continues for Missing Woman in Bukhansan National Park A search is underway for a woman in her 50s who has been missing for nearly a month after hiking in Bukhansan National Park. According to Yonhap News on May 13, the Songpa Police Station in Seoul received a report on April 17 at 11:28 a.m. stating, "I think my wife is missing," and has been searching for Kim, 52, since then. Kim's husband reported that he received a call from her workplace around 9 a.m. on the day she went missing, informing him that she had not shown up for work. After checking the area around their home with their son, he promptly contacted the police. Police reviewed closed-circuit television footage and confirmed that Kim was seen around noon that day ascending from the Doseonsa Temple in Gangbuk District toward Yongammun. However, her whereabouts have remained unknown since then. Authorities, including police and fire departments, are continuing their search efforts in the Bukhansan area. Online users have expressed their concerns, saying, "I hope she is found safe," and "It's unfortunate that there has been no trace of her for nearly a month during a weekday hike." Others commented on the challenging terrain of Bukhansan, emphasizing the importance of safety for search personnel, and expressed sympathy for her family, stating, "How anxious must her family be?" Many also noted the dangers of hiking alone, with comments like, "It’s alarming that an adult woman has been missing for so long," and "I hope clues are found soon," as well as suggestions for improving tracking systems for hikers.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 07:24:45

U.S. and South Korea Hold 28th Integrated Defense Consultative Meeting The South Korean Ministry of National Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense announced on May 14 that they held the 28th Integrated Defense Consultative Meeting (KIDD) in Washington, D.C., on May 12 and 13. The meeting was attended by Hong Chul, Director of Defense Policy, and John Nod, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, along with James Finch, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asia, who served as the chief representatives from both sides. Key officials from the defense and diplomatic sectors of both countries were also present. During the meeting, the two sides evaluated the overall status of defense cooperation within the U.S.-South Korea alliance and exchanged views on policy directions to strengthen the alliance's combined defense posture. The Ministry stated, "Both sides agreed to actively promote cooperation for the implementation of the Joint Fact Sheet on defense matters and the Joint Communiqué from the 57th U.S.-South Korea Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) held last November." Additionally, the KIDD was assessed as providing a crucial foundation for advancing practical cooperation to further solidify the alliance, with plans to deepen collaboration to achieve common security goals in the Korean Peninsula and the Indo-Pacific region. A key agenda item for this meeting was the transfer of operational control. South Korean Defense Minister An Gyu-baek and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a bilateral meeting at the U.S. Department of Defense on May 11, prior to the KIDD. In a press briefing with reporters at the South Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C., the day after the meeting, Minister An stated, "The transfer of operational control based on conditions remains unchanged, with the goal of setting a target year for the transfer to be confirmed by the presidents after the two ministers agree on it during the SCM in November." He also noted, "There are some differing views from the U.S. side." The conditions agreed upon for the transfer of operational control include: 1) military capabilities necessary to lead combined defense; 2) the alliance's comprehensive ability to respond to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats; and 3) a security environment on the Korean Peninsula and in the region that is conducive to a stable transfer. The government is considering setting a target year for the transfer after completing verification related to Full Operational Capability (FOC) in the second phase, with plans to seek approval from the U.S.-South Korea defense ministers during the SCM in October.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 07:00:50

Netanyahu Secretly Visits UAE, Marks Historic Breakthrough in Relations Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, made a secret visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 14, during a time of conflict with Iran, according to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office. The office stated that Netanyahu met with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, during his covert trip, which occurred amid the ongoing "Lion's Roar" military operation. This visit is seen as a significant breakthrough in the relationship between Israel and the UAE. A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that Netanyahu and Sheikh Mohammed met on March 26 in Al Ain, an oasis city near the Oman border, and their talks lasted several hours. The source also revealed that David Barnea, the head of Mossad, visited the UAE at least twice during the conflict to coordinate military operations. The UAE recognized Israel as a state and established diplomatic relations in 2020 through the so-called Abraham Accords, alongside Bahrain. Since then, the two countries have expanded their cooperation across various sectors, particularly in security. Following the outbreak of war, Israel deployed Iron Dome missile defense systems and personnel to the UAE, which has been under heavy fire from Iran. This marks the first time Israel's Iron Dome has been stationed abroad.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 06:25:05

Corporate Loans Surge by 21 Trillion Won This Year, Testing Bank Stability As of April this year, the outstanding balance of corporate loans at South Korea's five major banks has increased by over 21 trillion won, nearing last year's total annual increase. This surge is attributed to the government's tightening of household loan regulations and a push for productive finance, prompting banks to significantly increase their corporate loan portfolios. However, the simultaneous rise in both loan balances and delinquency rates amid fierce competition in corporate finance has raised concerns about the urgent need for a balance between growth and risk management.According to the financial sector, as of the end of April, the outstanding balance of corporate loans at KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Hana, Woori, and NH Nonghyup banks reached 866.646 trillion won, an increase of 21.3392 trillion won compared to the end of last year. Following a rise of 5.4449 trillion won in March, this marks the second consecutive month of increases exceeding 5 trillion won, bringing the total increase within just four months close to last year's annual figure of 24.1029 trillion won. As of May 11, the corporate loan balance continued to rise, reaching 867.1478 trillion won.In contrast, the outstanding balance of household loans at these five banks decreased by 3.821 billion won to 767.296 trillion won as of the end of last month, reflecting a contraction. This decline is interpreted as a result of reduced loan demand following the government's management policies and rising interest rates after the Middle East conflict.The competition among banks to attract corporate loans has intensified, leading to a reversal where corporate loan interest rates are now lower than those for household loans. Typically, corporate loans carry higher interest rates due to the greater risk of default. However, since the government emphasized 'productive finance' at the end of last year, the trend has shifted, with corporate loan rates falling below household loan rates.According to the Bank of Korea, the average interest rate for corporate loans at domestic deposit banks was 4.14% in March, down from 4.2% in February. In contrast, the interest rate for household loans rose to 4.51%, an increase of 0.06 percentage points from the previous month.Industry analysts predict that the reversal of household and corporate loan rates is likely to persist for the time being, as banks solidify their focus on expanding corporate loans in line with the government's clear policy direction.However, there are concerns that aggressive expansion of corporate loans may increase the burden of stability management for banks. The simultaneous rise in loan volumes and delinquency rates suggests that the expansion could lead to an increase in non-performing assets for banks.In fact, the average delinquency rate for corporate loans at the five major banks rose to 0.46% at the end of the first quarter, a 2.5-fold increase from 0.19% at the end of 2021. The delinquency rate for the Industrial Bank of Korea, which has a significant proportion of corporate clients, jumped from 0.28% to 0.98% during this period. Notably, the delinquency rate for small businesses is rising even faster, averaging 0.57% at the five major banks and 1.42% at regional banks. This trend is attributed to weakened debt repayment capabilities among companies amid sluggish domestic demand and geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East.A financial sector official stated, "Banks with a high proportion of small business loans may face increased difficulties in loan management if the economic situation worsens. Given that corporate loans generally have higher delinquency rates and larger volumes compared to household loans, managing loan quality will become a new challenge for the banking sector."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 06:21:31

Election Experts Predict Key Races in Seoul, Busan, and Daegu Ahead of Local Elections With just 20 days until the June 3 local elections, political experts are identifying Seoul, Busan, and Daegu as key battlegrounds. The outcome of the Seoul mayoral race is expected to have significant implications for the political landscape moving forward. In a survey conducted by Ajou Economics on May 14, all six experts predicted an advantage for the ruling Democratic Party. However, forecasts varied, with some suggesting the party would win in 9 out of 16 regions, while others anticipated victories in up to 15 regions. Initially, the Democratic Party was expected to achieve a decisive victory, leveraging the early support ratings for the Lee Jae-myung administration and the judgment narrative surrounding the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. However, recent analyses indicate that the local election results have become increasingly uncertain, even among experts. Seoul, Busan, and Daegu: Experts Predict Ruling Party to Secure Majority in Local Elections Experts unanimously agree that Seoul is the most critical battleground in this local election. Its symbolic significance as the capital, along with the perception that the Seoul mayor and Gyeonggi governor positions are stepping stones to the presidency, heightens the stakes. Additionally, Seoul is a region that the main opposition People Power Party won four years ago, making the contest for reclaiming or defending it particularly intense. The Democratic Party and the People Power Party have nominated Jeong Won-oh, the mayor of Seongdong District, and incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon, respectively. Eom Kyung-young, director of the Era of Spirit Research Institute, stated, "For the People Power Party, even if they fail to secure a majority of local government positions, winning in Seoul would be considered a success." Jo Sung-joo, head of the Political Development Institute, added, "The Democratic Party must reclaim Seoul to claim victory in the local elections, while the People Power Party will be evaluated positively if they maintain control in Busan, Daegu, and Gyeongnam." The mayoral races in Daegu, featuring Democratic Party candidate Kim Boo-kyum, a former prime minister, against People Power Party candidate Choo Kyung-ho, a former economic minister, and the Busan mayoral race between former lawmaker Jeon Jae-soo (Democratic Party) and incumbent Mayor Park Hyung-jun (People Power Party) are also considered major contests. Political analyst Park Sang-byeong remarked, "I see Seoul, Busan, and Daegu as battlegrounds where the margin of victory could be as narrow as 3 to 5 percent. A significant mistake in the final days could change the outcome." Jo Sung-joo also identified these three cities as key electoral battlegrounds. Overall, experts predict that the Democratic Party will win in more than half of the 16 local government races. However, estimates for the number of Democratic Party winners range from 9 to 15. Park Sang-byeong predicts a decisive victory for the Democratic Party in 15 regions, while Lee Jong-hoon, another political analyst, noted that the worst-case scenario for the People Power Party could be a 15 to 1 loss. Shin Yul, a professor at Myongji University, forecasts 12 to 13 wins for the Democratic Party, while Choi Jin, head of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, anticipates 13 wins. Conversely, Eom Kyung-young believes that the People Power Party will successfully defend its positions in five regions in the Yeongnam area, predicting a 9 to 7 victory for the Democratic Party. Jo Sung-joo expressed caution regarding predictions of the number of winners. Potential Variables: Special Investigation and Real Estate Issues May Not Shift Overall Trends Experts predict that the special investigation law proposed by the Democratic Party and real estate issues could serve as variables in the upcoming election. The Democratic Party claims that the prosecution and law enforcement agencies manipulated investigations and prosecutions during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration, prompting them to propose a special investigation law. In response, the People Power Party argues that the special investigation aims to dismiss charges against President Lee Jae-myung and erase criminal records. Lee Jong-hoon noted, "The People Power Party candidates are uniting around the special investigation issue rather than focusing on leader Jang Dong-hyuk, which could consolidate their support. Additionally, the impact of real estate prices following the end of the capital gains tax exemption on May 9 and potential last-minute candidate unifications could also influence voter sentiment." Shin Yul added, "The special investigation could provoke anger among moderate voters, and issues related to long-term holding tax exemptions and property taxes may also have an impact. The government's response to the recent attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz could also connect to voter sentiment." Conversely, some experts argue that the issues being raised as potential variables may not significantly alter the overall trends in voter sentiment. Choi Jin stated, "While constitutional amendments and special investigations are important topics in the political arena, the election will ultimately be decided through the narratives of 'judgment on Lee Jae-myung' and 'judgment on Yoon again (supporters of former President Yoon Suk Yeol),'" asserting that the 'judgment on Yoon' narrative will likely have a more substantial impact. Park Sang-byeong also commented, "While issues like nomination disputes or inappropriate remarks can be significant, they are not likely to be game-changers in the election. Mistakes made just before the election can directly affect votes, but as the election approaches, the dynamics can shift frequently, so the impact on voter sentiment may not be substantial." 2026-05-14 06:19:36

Are We Just Sharpening Old Knives in the Obesity Treatment Market? "Which obesity treatment product will you choose?" As I reported on the obesity treatment market, I compared weight loss rates, side effects, and prices of various products multiple times. I also summarized differences in accessibility and formulation convenience. However, when asked to choose one, I hesitated to respond. The first products that came to mind were Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Mounjaro. Rather than being just options among many, these two products have become benchmarks. They have proven their effectiveness through large-scale clinical data and have accumulated prescription experience through insurance coverage and expanded distribution networks. This structure creates a cycle where data builds trust, and trust leads to increased prescriptions. The market landscape is changing rapidly. The fact that Mounjaro has overtaken the cancer drug Keytruda to become the top-selling drug globally in just three years is symbolic. It shows that obesity treatments are not merely emerging markets but are moving to the center of the pharmaceutical industry. The impact is spreading to surrounding industries. The health food and beauty sectors report a shift in sentiment. They say it has become difficult to persuade consumers with messages like "helps with dieting" as they did before. Some aesthetic clinics that previously focused on dieting now state, "The medication handles weight loss, while we focus on body shape correction and management." Obesity treatments are changing the very division of roles in the market. As the market standards solidify, domestic pharmaceutical and biotech companies are also entering the fray. Hanmi Pharmaceutical's epeglanatide is set to launch in the second half of this year, marking the first domestic obesity treatment. HK inno.N's ecnoglutide, introduced from China's Saiwind Biosciences, aims to complete clinical trials within the year, while JW Pharmaceutical plans to advance the bopanglutide, introduced from China, into Phase 3 clinical trials in the second half of the year. Additionally, there are products in the early stages of clinical trials or awaiting Investigational New Drug (IND) approval. The reasons for this influx are clear. The market size and growth rate are overwhelming. Even knowing it is a red ocean, it is hard to withdraw. Domestic companies have their own solutions. They aim to reduce side effects or diversify formulations into long-acting, oral, or patch forms. They are also introducing mechanisms to mitigate muscle loss side effects. However, the structural limitations of being latecomers are evident. Wegovy and Mounjaro have already secured long-term clinical data involving thousands of participants and have built up regulatory approvals and prescription experience globally. Recently, the emergence of oral treatments has further complicated the competitive landscape. Novo Nordisk's Wegovy Pen began sales at over 70,000 pharmacies across the U.S. this year. In its third week on the market, Eli Lilly's oral obesity treatment, Powndayo, recorded approximately 5,600 prescriptions. Additionally, price competition and the potential for low-cost generics following the expiration of the semaglutide patent are adding to the challenges. The barriers to entry in the market are becoming increasingly high. The difficulties faced by latecomers are felt more directly in the field. One industry insider remarked, "Given that market standards have already solidified, it may be more realistic for domestic products to seek opportunities first in emerging markets like Southeast Asia." This comment indirectly reflects the burden of competing head-on. There is a growing sentiment that for domestic new drugs to succeed, they must compete on price with big pharmaceutical companies. However, considering the clinical data, prescription experience, and distribution networks accumulated by first movers, it is becoming clear that a simple pricing strategy will not shake the market. The question remains: what competitive edge can latecomers present in a market where standards are firmly established? While attempts at differentiation continue, the key issue is whether these efforts can translate into global competitiveness rather than being confined to the domestic market. We must also reflect on whether we are merely sharpening old knives in an already formed battlefield. It remains to be seen whether the hard-earned new drugs can establish themselves as the preferred treatment chosen by patients, rather than remaining within a limited market.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 06:13:10

Experts Predict Comfortable Victory for Ruling Party in Upcoming By-Elections The upcoming by-elections, held alongside the June 3 local elections and featuring 14 races, are generating significant interest. Both major parties have declared their commitment to a full-scale effort in these elections, leading experts to express mixed opinions on the Democratic Party's goal of retaining 13 districts and the potential for unification in key battlegrounds. As the elections approach, the outcome remains uncertain. In an interview with Aju Economy on May 14, six political experts largely predicted a comfortable victory for the Democratic Party in districts outside of key battlegrounds like Busan North and Pyeongtaek, which Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae has identified as critical. Political commentator Lee Jong-hoon noted the influence of President Lee Jae-myung's popularity and the lack of progress on unification among conservative candidates in Busan North, stating, "Unless there are unexpected developments, the Democratic Party will retain all 13 districts." Cho Sung-joo, head of the Political Development Institute, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that outside of the battlegrounds, the Democratic Party is likely to win comfortably. Choi Jin, director of the Presidential Leadership Research Institute, acknowledged the People Power Party's potential to secure victories in Daegu Dalseong and the conservative strongholds of Chungnam Gongju, Buyeo, and Cheongyang, but predicted that the Democratic Party would dominate in all other areas. However, some experts cautioned against premature conclusions, anticipating a possible resurgence for the People Power Party. Eom Kyung-young, director of the Era Spirit Research Institute, remarked, "It will be difficult for the Democratic Party to secure all 13 districts. The People Power Party has a strong chance of winning in Ulsan Nam-gu as well," adding that the Pyeongtaek race could see the People Power Party's Yoo Ui-dong gaining traction, and that the true outcome in Hanam Gap would only be clear once the votes are counted. In the most competitive districts, including Pyeongtaek and Busan North, experts offered differing views on the likelihood of unification efforts between the progressive and conservative camps. Choi Jin predicted that both districts would see unification, suggesting that negotiations between the Democratic Party and the Justice Party are likely in Pyeongtaek, where both parties may engage in some form of deal regarding candidacies. He noted, "Discussions will likely center around Justice Party candidate Cho and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon, both of whom are polling well and are unlikely to withdraw from the race." Conversely, some experts speculated that unification could occur among conservative candidates in Pyeongtaek, traditionally a conservative stronghold. Shin Yul, a professor of political science at Myongji University, stated, "While unification in Busan North seems challenging, there is a possibility of unification among conservative candidates Yoo and Hwang Kyo-ahn in Pyeongtaek." On the other hand, there are pessimistic views suggesting that unification efforts may ultimately fail in both Pyeongtaek and Busan North. Political commentator Park Sang-byeong indicated that both districts, often cited as likely candidates for unification, may see candidates Cho and Democratic Party's Ha Jung-woo winning instead. He noted, "Cho is aligned with the broader democratic camp, while Kim Yong-nam of the Democratic Party is not a traditional party member. Therefore, voting for Cho may not be a burden for Democratic supporters." Some experts also pointed out that the high approval ratings for candidates Cho and Han could complicate unification efforts. Lee Jong-hoon remarked, "Given Cho's strong support in Pyeongtaek, he is likely to actively promote unification messages. As the deadline for unification approaches, we may see movements toward consolidation within the conservative camp. Ultimately, support ratings will determine the outcome." Eom Kyung-young added, "For unification to occur, one side must hold a clear advantage, but currently, both People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and Han are showing competitive support levels. In Pyeongtaek, either Kim or Cho needs to gain a decisive edge, which complicates unification efforts. If this trend continues, it may favor Han and Yoo." Additionally, experts emphasized that while the so-called 'shy conservatives' may rally, they are unlikely to significantly alter the overall dynamics favoring the Democratic Party. Park Sang-byeong noted, "Shy conservatives will naturally come together and may perform better on election day than current polling suggests, but their numbers are not sufficient to overcome the Democratic Party's lead." Lee Jong-hoon also mentioned, "Not only shy conservatives but also 'shy Lee Jae-myung' supporters exist, raising doubts about whether the consolidation of shy conservatives will lead to victories for People Power Party candidates."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-05-14 06:12:00