Election Date and Scope Set for June 3, 2026 South Korea will hold local elections on June 3, 2026, accompanied by more than ten parliamentary by‑elections, marking the first major electoral test of President Lee Jae Myung’s agenda since his June 2025 inauguration [1]. The contests cover municipal leadership, provincial councils, and key constituencies, providing a broad gauge of public sentiment toward the ruling Democratic Party (DP) and opposition People Power Party (PPP) [1]. Voter turnout expectations are high as the races are framed as a referendum on the nation’s growing political divide [1].

Democratic Party Pursues Repeat Victory to Strengthen Mandate After winning the 2025 presidential race and the 2024 parliamentary elections, the DP aims to secure another local‑election triumph to cement its legislative authority and advance its policy agenda [1]. Party leaders emphasize continuity in housing reforms, municipal merger proposals, and economic stability [1]. The DP’s strategy includes leveraging its recent national successes to mobilize grassroots support across major cities and provinces [1].

People Power Party Seeks Comeback Amid Fallout From Yoon’s Conviction The PPP, still reeling from former President Yoon Suk‑yeol’s failed martial‑law declaration, removal, and life‑sentence verdict for leading an insurrection, targets a defensive campaign in key municipalities such as Seoul [1]. Opposition figures stress economic concerns and promise to reverse DP‑led initiatives they deem ineffective [1]. The party hopes to halt its recent losing streak by rallying conservative voters dissatisfied with the DP’s governance [1].

Polls Show a Double‑Digit Lead for the Democratic Party A Gallup Korea poll conducted on February 6, 2026, indicates 44 % of respondents favor DP candidates, outpacing the PPP’s 32 % and creating a 12‑point advantage [1]. This lead contrasts with an October poll that recorded only a three‑point gap, suggesting a recent swing toward the ruling party [1]. Analysts interpret the surge as a response to the PPP’s weakened standing after Yoon’s legal troubles [1].

Voter Priorities Center on Municipal Mergers, Housing, and Yoon’s Verdict Campaign discourse highlights proposals to integrate municipalities, policies addressing the volatile real‑estate market, and reactions to Yoon Suk‑yeol’s life‑sentence ruling [1]. Minor parties, including the liberal Rebuilding Korea Party and the conservative New Reform Party, aim to expand their influence, though a planned DP‑Rebuilding Korea merger collapsed amid internal discord [1]. These issues are expected to shape voter decisions and determine the balance of power at both local and national levels [1].