DPK dominates local elections, wins 12 of 16 mayoral, provincial races

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) Chair Jung Chung-rae, fourth from left, watches exit poll results of the local elections and parliamentary by-elections with DPK leaders at the party's election situation room at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) won 12 of the country’s 16 mayoral and provincial governor races in Wednesday’s local elections, while the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) secured four, according to final results released by the National Election Commission (NEC) Thursday.

The election was the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office last year and was widely seen as an early test of public sentiment toward his administration.

The outcome was viewed as reflecting continued support for Lee and the ruling party, while delivering a setback to the PPP, which has struggled with internal divisions following former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment and the party’s defeat in last year’s presidential election.

Lee called on both parties to move beyond the election and focus on governance and national unity.

"I congratulate those who were elected and offer my consolation to those who fell short," Lee said during a senior aides' meeting Thursday, also marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. "Now that the election is over, I hope the political sphere will join forces to improve people's livelihoods, promote balanced regional development and foster national unity."

DPK Chair Jung Chung-rae thanked voters for the party’s strong showing nationwide while expressing disappointment over the mayoral results in Seoul, where candidate Chong Won-o fell short by a narrow margin.

Incumbent Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party celebrates at his campaign office in Jongno District, Thursday, after emerging as the projected winner of the Seoul mayoral race by a narrow margin. Yonhap

“I thank and respect the people’s wise choice,” Jung told reporters at the National Assembly. “The people gave the DPK a major victory nationwide, but it is painful that we failed to reclaim Seoul.”

One of the night's biggest surprises came in the capital, where incumbent Mayor Oh Se-hoon staged a dramatic late comeback to defeat Chong. The DPK challenger had led for much of the vote count before Oh overtook him in the final stages to secure a record fifth term as Seoul mayor.

Chong conceded defeat Thursday morning, saying he would “humbly accept” voters’ decision.

“I was not good enough. Everything is my responsibility,” Chong told supporters at his campaign headquarters, congratulating Oh on his victory.

Oh described the result as a victory for ordinary citizens rather than for any political faction.

“I sincerely thank the people of Seoul,” Oh said after his victory was confirmed. “This election result is a victory for ordinary, hardworking citizens.”

In Busan, DPK candidate Chun Jae-soo defeated incumbent Mayor Park Heong-joon, while in Daegu, PPP candidate Choo Kyung-ho held the conservative stronghold, denying the DPK a historic breakthrough.

The ruling party also performed strongly in races for local government heads across the country, winning 119 of 227 mayoral, county chief and district chief posts. The PPP took 95, while the minor Rebuilding Korea Party won two and independents captured 11.

In Seoul’s district chief elections, the DPK swept 17 of the capital’s 25 districts, leaving the PPP with eight.

In the 14 parliamentary by-elections held alongside local races, the DPK won nine seats, the PPP four and independents one. Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon won the closely watched Busan Buk-A race, securing a seat in the National Assembly after being expelled from the PPP.

The PPP, however, avoided a complete rout by holding on to Seoul, Daegu, North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province.

The DPK’s strength was particularly evident in the Seoul metropolitan area, the Chungcheong region and Gangwon Province, while the PPP largely retained its dominance in its traditional heartlands of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

PPP Chair Jang Dong-hyeok acknowledged the disappointing results while vowing to rebuild the party.

Ruling Democratic Party of Korea Busan Mayor-elect Chun Jae-soo speaks to reporters at his campaign office in Busanjin District, Busan, Thursday, after winning the Busan mayoral election. Joint Press Corps

"I will not shy away from the heavy responsibility entrusted to me and will work with party members to find a new path forward," Jang said.

He argued that the election outcome was also a message from voters to continue challenging the Lee administration and the ruling party.

The results are expected to reignite debate within the PPP over its future direction and leadership following another disappointing nationwide election performance.

Late Wednesday evening, the PPP criticized election authorities over a ballot shortage issue affecting several districts in southern Seoul and Incheon and called for a revote in Seoul, but the NEC continued its counting process.

On Thursday, President Lee also expressed deep regret over the ballot shortage controversy, saying election management should be one of the most carefully administered functions in a democratic republic.

He called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the disruptions and accountability if wrongdoings are found.