Dec 2024 – Former President Yoon Suk‑yeol declares martial law, but the attempt collapses within hours, sparking a constitutional crisis and later leading to his conviction for insurrection [1][2].

Nov 2024 – The ruling Democratic Party wins the parliamentary elections, securing a majority that later underpins President Lee Jae Myung’s agenda [1].

June 2025 – President Lee Jae Myung assumes office after winning the 2025 presidential race, marking the start of his administration’s policy push [1].

2025 – A court sentences former President Yoon Suk‑yeol to life imprisonment for the failed martial‑law bid, cementing the political fallout for the conservative bloc [1].

Dec 9, 2025 – President Lee urges DP Chair Jung Chung‑rae and floor leader Kim Byung‑ki to “advance key reform bills in a way that meets public expectations,” stressing transparent legislation amid judiciary‑reform controversy [17].

Dec 9, 2025 – At a dinner with DP leaders, Lee discusses his Middle‑East and Africa trip and warns that “the DP must push the special‑tribunal and punitive‑judiciary bills despite opposition resistance” [18].

Jan 1, 2026 – Lee hosts a New Year’s meeting with leaders from politics, the judiciary, business and labor, while the People Power Party boycotts the event over judiciary‑reform tensions [16].

Jan 12, 2026 – In a luncheon with Buddhist, Protestant and Catholic leaders, Lee pledges to “spare no effort to move Korea toward an inclusive society” and calls religion “the practice of love” for national healing [14].

Jan 12, 2026 – Cheong Wa Dae announces a bipartisan Friday lunch with the DP, PPP and five minor parties to seek cooperation on economic and state issues [13].

Jan 12, 2026 – The presidential office confirms the Friday lunch will include leaders of the ruling DP, opposition PPP and minor parties, focusing on the economy and state affairs [12].

Jan 15, 2026 – Lee’s office confirms the upcoming bipartisan luncheon, noting PPP leader Jang Dong‑hyeok is unlikely to attend because of his hunger strike demanding special probe bills [11].

Jan 16, 2026 – Lee hosts the bipartisan luncheon, bringing together the DP and five minor parties while PPP leader Jang Dong‑hyeok continues his hunger strike over Unification‑Church bribery allegations [10].

Jan 16, 2026 – At the same luncheon, Lee urges “bipartisan cooperation on the massive Coupang data breach” and other corporate crises, emphasizing national security and economic stability [9].

Jan 19, 2026 – Lee meets DP leader Jung Chung‑rae and floor leader Han Byung‑do for a two‑hour dinner, seeking ground‑level input on public sentiment, international politics and K‑culture [8].

Jan 22, 2026 – Jung Chung‑rae proposes a swift working‑level merger with Cho Kuk’s Rebuilding Korea Party, arguing the two “overcame Yoon’s failed martial‑law bid together” and should run the June 3 local elections as a united front [5].

Feb 2, 2026 – Preliminary candidate registration opens at the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission, allowing citizens to file as preliminary candidates and open campaign offices ahead of the June 3 vote [3].

Feb 3, 2026 – DP floor leader Han Byung‑do delivers a policy speech pledging “sweeping judicial reforms” and declaring that “former President Yoon Suk‑yeol … will not be able to escape the maximum sentence” when the court rules on Feb 19 [2].

Feb 6, 2026 – Gallup Korea poll shows 44 % of respondents favor DP candidates, a 12‑point lead over the People Power Party, up from a three‑point gap in October [1].

Feb 19, 2026 – The court is expected to issue its verdict on Yoon Suk‑yeol and allies, with the DP anticipating a maximum‑sentence outcome as warned by Han Byung‑do [2].

May 14‑15, 2026 – Official candidate registration deadline approaches, forcing parties to finalize slates just weeks before the June 3 local elections [3].

June 3, 2026 – Local elections—including 17 mayor‑governor seats, parliamentary by‑elections and council races—serve as the first major test of President Lee’s first‑year agenda and the DP’s attempt to cement a legislative mandate after 2024‑2025 victories [1][3].

Aug 2026 – The DP plans its party convention, where leader Jung Chung‑rae hopes to secure re‑election, a move tied to the proposed merger with the Rebuilding Korea Party and recent voting‑system changes [4].