By-Election Results: DPK Wins 9, Opposition 5... Democratic Party Leads as People Power Party Shows Strong Performance

From a 13-to-1 Advantage to a Setback for the Ruling Party
Han Donghoon Celebrates, Cho Kuk Falters... Unexpected Game Changers Emerge

In the so-called "mini general election," referring to the June 3 parliamentary by-elections, the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) secured more victories, but the strong performance from the broader opposition bloc was also notable.

According to the National Election Commission on June 4, the Democratic Party of Korea won nine seats, the People Power Party (PPP) secured four seats, and one seat went to an independent across the 14 constituencies where by-elections took place nationwide. Given that the previous seat distribution was 13 for the Democratic Party of Korea and one for the People Power Party, this outcome is far from a clear win for the ruling party.

The most closely watched race was in Buk-gap, Busan. This constituency, where conservative and progressive forces are evenly matched, had drawn national attention even before the election. Independent candidate Han Donghoon narrowly edged out Democratic candidate Ha Jungwoo after a close contest that lasted until the final vote count, securing a seat in the National Assembly.

With Han, who had openly clashed with the leadership of the People Power Party under Jang Donghyuk, now entering parliament, significant changes are expected in the power dynamics within the conservative camp. In addition, the victory of Yoo Eui-dong, the People Power Party candidate in Pyeongtaek-e, Gyeonggi Province, is seen as a sign of conservative voter consolidation.

On the other hand, Cho Kuk, the candidate for the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and considered another political heavyweight, finished third in Pyeongtaek-e and failed to win a seat. This defeat is widely seen as a significant blow to his political standing, as he failed to return to the legislature.

This loss is also expected to impact the ongoing merger talks between the Cho Kuk Innovation Party and the Democratic Party of Korea. As Cho engaged in a fierce, negative campaign against Kim Yongnam of the Democratic Party of Korea, both parties sustained significant internal damage, making further merger discussions unlikely in the current environment.

Within the People Power Party, candidates Lee Jinsook (Dalseong, Daegu) and Kim Taegyu (Namgu-gap, Ulsan), known as the "two Broadcasting and Communications Commission figures," both secured seats in the National Assembly. In Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang, South Chungcheong Province, candidate Yoon Yonggeun defeated Jeon Taejin, the Democratic Party's top recruited talent, to win the seat. Notably, in both Namgu, Ulsan, and Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang, the seats shifted from the Democratic Party of Korea to the People Power Party.

The Democratic Party of Korea showed strength in the Seoul metropolitan area and its traditional stronghold of the Honam region. In Yeonsu-gap, Incheon, Song Younggil returned to the National Assembly, setting the stage for his political comeback.

In Hanam-gap, Gyeonggi Province, Lee Kwangjae, considered a core "pro-Roh" figure and a close aide to the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, was elected, achieving his fourth term as a senior lawmaker.

Kim Namguk, a former Blue House secretary and a key "pro-Lee Jae-myung" figure, was elected in Ansan-gap, Gyeonggi Province, successfully returning to the National Assembly. Kim had withdrawn from the previous general election amid the so-called "coin controversy" before joining the Blue House as a secretary.

Kim Namjun, a former Blue House spokesperson and known as one of Lee Jae-myung's closest associates, was easily elected in Gyeyang-eul, Incheon, which was President Lee's constituency.

In Asan-eul, South Chungcheong Province, Jeon Eunsu, a former Blue House spokesperson, secured victory and will succeed Kang Hoonshik, the Blue House chief of staff, as the representative for the district.

In Gwangsan-eul, Gwangju, candidate Lim Munyoung won the race, while in Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-gap, North Jeolla Province, Kim Eui-gyeom was elected, and in Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-eul, Park Ji-won secured a seat. In Seogwipo, Jeju, Kim Seongbeom, who served as the first Vice Minister of Oceans and Fisheries under the Lee Jae-myung administration, was victorious.

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