South Korea's ruling Democratic Party and the opposition People Power Party have entered full-scale campaign mode ahead of upcoming by-elections [1].
These contests serve as the first major political test for the Lee Jae-Myung administration. The results will likely signal public approval of the current government's direction and its ability to manage the national economy.
The ruling Democratic Party is framing the election as a critical moment for voters to judge the administration. Party officials said the campaign will focus on judging the insurrection and reviving the livelihoods of the people [1].
In Seoul, the competition for the mayoral office has taken center stage. Candidates Oh Se-hoon of the People Power Party and Chong Won-o of the Democratic Party participated in a handshake ceremony on May 6, 2026 [2]. This gesture marks the formal transition into the competitive phase of the race for the capital's leadership.
Official campaigning is scheduled to begin on June 2, 2024 [1], providing a brief window before the polls open. The local and parliamentary by-elections are set for June 3, 2024 [2].
While the parties have begun their mobilization efforts nationwide, the focus remains on the balance of power within the parliament and key municipal offices. Both parties are deploying resources to ensure high voter turnout during the short official campaign period.
“The ruling Democratic Party frames the election as the first major political test for the Lee Jae-Myung administration.”
These by-elections act as a mid-term barometer for the Lee Jae-Myung administration. Because the ruling party is explicitly tying the vote to a judgment of the government's performance and a specific 'insurrection,' a victory for the opposition could weaken the administration's legislative mandate and force a shift in domestic policy priorities.
