Counting begins as South Korea's local elections draw to a close

By Yoo Na-hyun · Han Jun-gu Posted : June 3, 2026, 23:00 Updated : June 3, 2026, 23:00
Ballots from early voting are counted at the Gwanak-gu Election Commission counting station set up at Seoul National University gymnasium in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on June 3, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Vote counting for the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections got underway at approximately 7:10 p.m. on Wednesday at polling centers across the country, including the Gwanak-gu Election Commission counting station set up at Seoul National University gymnasium in Gwanak-gu, Seoul. The final voter turnout stood at 60.9 percent, based on figures tallied as of 6 p.m.

Exit polls conducted jointly by KBS, MBC, and SBS projected the Democratic Party winning 11 of 16 mayoral and gubernatorial races, with People Power taking one and four too close to call. In Seoul, Democratic Party candidate Jeong Won-o was projected to lead with 51.4 percent against incumbent Oh Se-hoon of People Power at 46.0 percent.

The results split the mood across party war rooms. Cheers broke out at the Democratic Party headquarters, while a heavy silence settled over People Power. Counting is expected to continue through the night.
 
An official opens a ballot box at the Gwanak-gu Election Commission counting station set up at Seoul National University gymnasium in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on June 3, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
 
Ballots from early voting are counted at the Gwanak-gu Election Commission counting station set up at Seoul National University gymnasium in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on June 3, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
 
Ballots from early voting are counted at the Gwanak-gu Election Commission counting station set up at Seoul National University gymnasium in Gwanak-gu, Seoul, on June 3, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Yoo Na-hyun · Han Jun-gu

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