South Korea's ruling Democratic Party achieved a resounding landslide victory in nationwide local elections and parliamentary by-elections. Exit polls indicate that the party won a clear majority of key local offices, providing a significant boost to President Lee Jae Myung as he enters the second year of his term.
The contest, which included mayoral and governor races across 16 cities and provinces, was widely viewed as an assessment of President Lee Jae Myung's first year in office. The Democratic Party sought to consolidate its influence and extend the president's political momentum through these elections.
Despite the broader gains and the overall victory, the main opposition party retained the mayoral seat in Seoul. As the country's largest city and top political prize, the loss of Seoul delivers a symbolic blow to President Lee Jae Myung.