As exit poll results for the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections were released, South Korea's major political parties exhibited contrasting reactions. The Democratic Party celebrated what they perceived as victory, while the People Power Party expressed dismay over anticipated losses.
The exit polls conducted by KBS, MBC, and SBS, released at 6 p.m., indicated that the Democratic Party was leading in 11 regions, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Jeonnam, Gwangju, and Jeju. In contrast, the People Power Party was projected to win only one area, Gyeongbuk. Four other regions—Busan, Daegu, Jeonbuk, and Gangwon—were expected to be closely contested.
According to JTBC's exit poll, the Democratic Party was ahead in 10 areas, while the People Power Party was leading in just one, Gyeongbuk. Five regions—Daegu, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Chungbuk—were identified as competitive. The results for Busan Buk-gap and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek differed from the earlier polls, with independent candidate Han Dong-hoon showing a significant lead in Busan Buk-gap, while Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam was projected to be in a close race for first in Pyeongtaek.
In the counting room at the National Assembly, Democratic Party lawmakers and officials erupted in cheers and applause as the results were announced. Notably, candidates Jung Won-o for Seoul mayor and Choo Mi-ae for Gyeonggi governor received enthusiastic support as their victories were anticipated. However, Democratic Party leader Jung Cheong-rae maintained a composed demeanor, watching the broadcast with hands clasped before leaving the venue.
Following the announcement, National Assembly floor leader Han Byeong-do expressed to KBS that the party viewed the results as "positive and encouraging." Additionally, Lee Yeon-hee, the strategic planning committee chair, told reporters that the public sentiment confirmed a desire to support President Lee Jae-myung's stable governance.
In contrast, a somber atmosphere enveloped the People Power Party's counting room in Yeouido. Party leaders arrived later due to a shortage of ballots reported in areas like Songpa. Floor leader Song Eon-seok strongly suggested that the exit poll announcement should have been delayed due to the circumstances.
The People Power Party remained largely silent in response to the exit poll results, with little reaction as regional announcements were made. Leader Jang Dong-hyuk stared at the monitor displaying the results without comment, and some members sighed in disappointment. Even 15 minutes after the results were released, Jang sat in silence, declining to answer questions from reporters before leaving the venue.
In an interview with KBS, Song noted that among the 14 by-elections, only one was previously held by their party. He acknowledged that the electoral landscape was unfavorable, stating that if they could secure even two seats, it would result in an increase in their representation.
The Justice Reform Party celebrated as their candidate, Jo Guk, was projected to lead in the Pyeongtaek by-election. Floor leader Seo Wang-jin and Secretary General Lee Hae-min were seen in tears of joy. Seo remarked in an interview with KBS that Jo had faced tough competition amid the dominance of the two major parties and believed they had successfully built momentum in the final stretch.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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