South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party won 12 of 16 regional mayoral seats in local elections held on June 3, 2024 [1], [4].
The victory solidifies the party's control over most metropolitan and provincial jurisdictions, though the failure to secure the Seoul mayoral race remains a significant setback.
Foreign analysts attribute the ruling party's success to the popularity of President Lee Jae-myung. The New York Times analysis said the election served as a referendum on the president's leadership [2]. Lee's approval rating has remained over 60% [2], providing a strong tailwind for his party candidates.
Economic factors also played a role in the results. A boom in AI-chip exports bolstered the stock market, which analysts said helped the ruling party's performance [3]. This economic growth coincided with the party's expansion of influence across the country.
Reuters analysis said the ruling party has now gained extensive control over local governments during the second year of President Lee's term [1]. However, the loss in Seoul highlights a fragmented political landscape.
Bloomberg analysis said the victory symbolizes the high popularity of President Lee while showing that the People Power Party continues to struggle with reconstruction [3]. This struggle follows the failed attempt by former President Yoon Suk-yeol to implement emergency rule [3].
While the Democratic Party secured 12 seats [1], the opposition's hold on the capital suggests that urban centers may maintain a different political trajectory than the broader provinces.
“The ruling Democratic Party won 12 of 16 regional mayoral seats”
The election results indicate a strong mandate for President Lee Jae-myung's administration, driven by economic gains in the tech sector and high personal approval. However, the loss of Seoul demonstrates that the ruling party has not yet fully captured the capital's electorate, while the opposition remains weakened by the legacy of former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed emergency-rule attempt.
