Midpoint of June 3 Local Election Vote Count: Democratic Party Leads in 13 Regions, Dominates 12 of 14 By-elections

As the vote count for the June 3 nationwide local elections reached its midpoint, the Democratic Party of Korea appeared to be leading in 13 areas, including Seoul. The People Power Party is ahead in the gubernatorial races in North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province, as well as the Daegu mayoral race, but except for North Gyeongsang Province, these races remain highly competitive.

As of 1:00 a.m. on June 4, the National Election Commission reported a nationwide ballot counting rate of 50.24%.

'Busy Vote Counting' Yonhap News

In the Seoul mayoral election, with 33.84% of ballots counted, Democratic Party candidate Jung Wono leads with 58.57% of the votes, ahead of People Power Party candidate Oh Sehoon.

In the Gyeonggi governor's race, Democratic Party candidate Choo Mi-ae (55.30%) is defeating People Power Party candidate Yang Hyangja (39.17%) and is virtually assured of victory. Choo is expected to become the first female head of a metropolitan municipality.

Additionally, the Democratic Party is also virtually assured of victory for the following candidates: Min Hyungbae (Mayor of Gwangju, Jeonnam Special City), Shin Yonghan (Governor of North Chungcheong Province), Wi Seonggon (Governor of Jeju Province), Kim Sangwook (Mayor of Ulsan), and Heo Taejeong (Mayor of Daejeon).

Democratic Party candidates Park Chan-dae (Mayor of Incheon), Park Soo-hyun (Governor of South Chungcheong Province), and Cho Sangho (Mayor of Sejong) are also highly likely to win.

In Busan, one of the key battlegrounds, with 65.68% of ballots counted, Democratic Party candidate Jun Jae-soo is leading with 51.79%, ahead of People Power Party candidate Park Hyungjun (46.67%). In Gangwon Province, Democratic Party candidate Woo Sangho is ahead with 51.35%.

For the People Power Party, candidate Lee Cheolwoo is virtually assured of a third term as Governor of North Gyeongsang Province.

In the race for South Gyeongsang Province Governor, People Power Party candidate Park Wansu (51.73%) is ahead of Democratic Party candidate Kim Kyungsoo (48.26%).

In Daegu, the lead has been shifting back and forth. With 47.16% of ballots counted, People Power Party candidate Chu Kyungho has 50.44%, while Democratic Party candidate Kim Boo-kyum has 48.50%.

The Democratic Party is also showing strength in the parliamentary by-elections.

The Democratic Party is highly likely to win in the following districts: Yeonsu A, Incheon (Song Younggil); Gyeyang B, Incheon (Kim Namjun); Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province (Kim Youngbin); Gwangsan B, Gwangju (Lim Munyoung); Gunsan-Gimje-Buan A, North Jeolla Province (Kim Uigyeom); Gunsan-Gimje-Buan B, North Jeolla Province (Park Ji-won); Seogwipo, Jeju (Kim Seongbeom); Asan B, South Chungcheong Province (Jeon Eunsu); and Hanam A, Gyeonggi Province (Lee Gwangjae).

The People Power Party is highly likely to win only in Dalseong, Daegu (Lee Jinsook). In Nam A, Ulsan, a conservative stronghold, Democratic Party candidate Jeon Taejin is currently leading.

In North Busan A, which was expected to be a neck-and-neck race, with 75.21% of ballots counted, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jungwoo (42.90%) and independent candidate Han Donghoon (42.33%) are in a tight contest.

In Pyeongtaek B, Gyeonggi Province, with 55.43% of ballots counted, People Power Party candidate Yoo Eui-dong has 33.81%, Democratic Party candidate Kim Yongnam has 29.21%, and Cho Kuk Innovation Party candidate Cho Kuk has 28.12%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.