The ruling and opposition parties reacted differently to the exit poll results from the June 3 local elections and National Assembly by-elections. The Democratic Party, confident in its victory, erupted in cheers, while the People Power Party expressed dismay at the anticipated losses.
At 6 p.m., KBS, MBC, and SBS announced that the Democratic Party was projected to win in 11 regions (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, Chungbuk, Jeonnam-Gwangju, and Jeju), while the People Power Party was expected to lead in only one area, Gyeongbuk. The remaining four regions (Busan, Daegu, Jeonbuk, and Gangwon) were predicted to be closely contested.
According to JTBC's exit poll, the Democratic Party was leading in 10 areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Busan, Incheon, Jeonnam-Gwangju, Daejeon, Ulsan, Sejong, Gangwon, and Jeju), while the People Power Party was ahead in one area (Gyeongbuk). Five regions (Daegu, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, Chungnam, and Chungbuk) were considered competitive. In the cases of Busan Buk-gap and Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek, the results differed from the three major broadcasters' exit polls, with independent candidate Han Dong-hoon showing a significant lead in Buk-gap, while Democratic Party candidate Kim Yong-nam was projected to be in a tight race for first place in Pyeongtaek.
In the counting room at the National Assembly, Democratic Party lawmakers and officials erupted in applause as they anticipated victories for candidates such as Jung Won-o, the candidate for Seoul mayor, and Choo Mi-ae, the candidate for Gyeonggi governor. However, leader Jung Cheong-rae maintained a calm demeanor, folding his hands and watching the broadcast before leaving the venue.
Afterward, floor leader Han Byeong-do expressed his optimism in an interview with KBS, stating, "We view the results positively and encouragingly." Additionally, Lee Yeon-hee, the strategic planning committee chair, told reporters, "The public sentiment confirms 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. The leadership arrived later than expected due to a shortage of ballots in areas like Songpa. Floor leader Song Eon-seok strongly suggested that the announcement of the exit poll results should have been delayed.
The silence among People Power Party members deepened as the exit poll results were announced. Even as regional results were released, there was little reaction. Leader Jang Dong-hyuk stared at the monitor displaying the exit poll results without speaking, while some members sighed. After 15 minutes of silence following the announcement, Jang left the venue without answering reporters' questions.
In an interview with KBS, Song noted, "Of the 14 by-elections, there is only one seat that was previously held by our party. The electoral landscape is fundamentally unfavorable, but if we can secure even two seats, it will result in an increase in our representation."
The Justice and Innovation Party celebrated as their candidate, Jo Guk, emerged as the frontrunner in the Pyeongtaek by-election. Seo Wang-jin, the floor leader, and Lee Hae-min, the secretary-general, were seen shedding tears of joy. Seo remarked in a KBS interview, "Jo has fought hard amid the competition between the two major parties, and I believe he has successfully created momentum despite the challenging circumstances."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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