In the June 3 local elections, the Democratic Party secured victories in most regions, extending its control from the central government to local administrations, thereby accelerating the implementation of President Lee Jae-myung's policies. Conversely, the People Power Party's campaign theme of 'checking the government' did not resonate as expected, resulting in the loss of local government power to the Democrats. However, they achieved a satisfactory outcome by winning in Seoul, often referred to as the centerpiece of local elections.
In Seoul, the most competitive battleground and the highlight of the local elections, Democratic candidate Jung Won-o was unable to overcome the challenge posed by People Power Party's Oh Se-hoon, ultimately losing the race.
Nonetheless, the Democratic Party celebrated victories in key areas such as Gyeonggi, Busan, and Gangwon. Notably, Democratic candidate Lee Jae-myung in Gyeonggi quickly established a lead over the People Power Party's Yang Hyang-ja, securing a decisive win.
In addition, Democratic candidates Jeon Jae-soo, Woo Sang-ho, and Park Chan-dae confirmed victories against People Power Party candidates Park Hyung-jun, Kim Jin-tae, and Yoo Jeong-bok in Busan, Gangwon, and Incheon, respectively, reinforcing their strength in the metropolitan area.
The Democratic Party also reported victories in the traditionally strong Honam and Jeju regions. In North Jeolla, Democratic candidate Lee Won-taek fended off a challenge from independent candidate Kim Kwan-young to secure a win. In Gwangju and Jeonnam, Democratic candidate Min Hyung-bae achieved a significant victory over People Power Party's Lee Jung-hyun.
In Jeju, Democratic candidate Wi Seong-gon also won decisively against People Power Party's Moon Seong-yu.
The People Power Party managed to secure victories only in Yeongnam, a region known for its conservative base, excluding Seoul. In North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang, People Power Party candidates Lee Cheol-woo and Park Wan-soo won against Democratic candidates Oh Jung-ki and Kim Kyung-soo, maintaining their reputation. In Daegu, often called the heart of conservatism, People Power Party candidate Choo Kyung-ho narrowly defeated Democratic candidate Kim Boo-kyum.
In the by-elections held concurrently with the local elections, the Democratic Party continued its dominance. Out of 14 contested seats, the Democratic Party won in nine regions, excluding those won by People Power Party and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon. However, the Democratic Party faced disappointing losses in areas where they were expected to maintain control, resulting in a bittersweet victory in the by-elections following the local elections.
In the highly contested districts of Busan Buk-gu Gap and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, Democratic candidates Ha Jeong-woo and Kim Yong-nam both lost. In Ulsan Nam-gu Gap, Democratic candidate Jeon Tae-jin was defeated by People Power Party's Kim Tae-kyu.
Initially, Busan Buk-gu Gap was expected to be a fierce contest with People Power Party candidate Park Min-sik and others participating, but the Democratic candidate managed to secure victory in the end. In Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, a tight three-way race emerged between Justice Party's Jo Guk, People Power Party's Yoo Ui-dong, and the Democratic candidate, with Yoo ultimately winning.
In Chungnam Gongju, Buyeo, Cheongyang, and Ulsan Nam-gu Gap, People Power Party candidates Yun Yong-geun and Kim Tae-kyu successfully turned the tide against Democratic candidates Kim Young-bin and Jeon Tae-jin, reclaiming their districts.
As a result, the Democratic Party secured victories in Incheon Yeonsu Gap (Song Young-gil), Incheon Gyeyang (Kim Nam-jun), Gwangju Gwangsan (Lim Mun-young), Gyeonggi Ansan Gap (Kim Nam-guk), Gyeonggi Hanam Gap (Lee Kwang-jae), Chungnam Asan (Jeon Eun-soo), North Jeolla Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan Gap (Kim Ui-gyeom), North Jeolla Gunsan, Gimje, and Buan (Park Ji-won), and Jeju Seogwipo (Kim Seong-beom), but the promise made by leader Jeong Cheong-rae to secure '13 districts' fell short.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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