South Korea is heading into a pivotal political moment as the nation prepares for the June 3, 2026 local elections, which have rapidly become more than just a routine democratic exercise. With the scars of the December 3 emergency martial law incident still fresh in public memory, these elections are being framed by many as a crucial judgment day—a chance for the country to reckon with its recent past and reaffirm its commitment to democracy.
The stakes are high, and the rhetoric is heated. According to Goodmorning Chungcheong, the upcoming elections are seen as an opportunity to cleanse wounds left by the martial law crisis and to signal South Korea’s return to a robust democratic republic. The publication describes the situation as "a decisive turning point to consolidate government achievements and completely purge outdated forces that harmed constitutional values."
At the heart of the controversy are several candidates from the People Power Party (PPP), often labeled as the 'pro-Yoon' faction, referencing their allegiance to President Yoon Seok-yeol. Among them, Chu Kyung-ho, running for mayor of Daegu, has drawn particular ire. He is under investigation as a suspect related to the December 3 martial law declaration, which many critics—including those from the ruling Democratic Party—describe as an unconstitutional act. Despite this, Chu has defended the declaration, calling it a "presidential act," a stance that has been met with both public and political condemnation.
Other candidates, such as Lee Jin-sook (nominated for Daegu Dalseong-gu) and Kim Tae-gyu (running in Ulsan Nam-gu Gap), have taken positions that either deny the term "rebellion" or question the illegality of the martial law, moves that some see as attempts to distort judicial facts and shield those responsible for undermining constitutional order. The Democratic Party has not minced words, accusing these figures of "distorting judicial facts" and "betraying the rule of law."
Despite the political turmoil, South Korea is experiencing a period of relative economic optimism. The presidential approval rating remains above 60%, and the KOSPI index is nearing the 7000 mark, as reported by Goodmorning Chungcheong. Yet, the persistence of candidates defending the martial law declaration has kept old wounds open, prompting many to view this election as a referendum on the nation’s democratic values and the legacy of recent constitutional crises.
The contest is not limited to local offices. As Yonhap News TV highlighted, the June 3 elections will also include 14 parliamentary by-elections—a figure more than double that of the previous cycle four years ago, earning the moniker "mini general election." These by-elections have drawn some of the country’s most prominent political figures, including Cho Guk of the Innovation Party and Han Dong-hoon, former leader of the People Power Party.
In the Busan Buk-gu Gap district, Han Dong-hoon, who was expelled from the PPP, is facing off against Ha Jung-woo (former Blue House AI chief, Democratic Party) and Park Min-sik (former minister, PPP), making for a high-profile three-way race. Meanwhile, in Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek-eul, Cho Guk is vying for a seat against Kim Yong-nam (Democratic Party) and Yoo Ui-dong (PPP). These races, among others, are drawing intense scrutiny and are expected to influence the broader political landscape.
Of the 14 by-election districts, all but Daegu were previously held by the ruling party, giving the Democratic Party a strong foothold in many contests. In Incheon Gyeyang-eul, former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil is running in a neighboring district, while Kim Nam-joon, a former Blue House spokesperson, is contesting Gyeyang-eul. In Gyeonggi Hanam Gap, former Gangwon governor Lee Kwang-jae (Democratic Party) faces off against Lee Yong (PPP), who narrowly lost in the last general election. In Ulsan Nam-gap, Democratic Party’s Jeon Tae-jin is up against Kim Tae-gyu (PPP), whose candidacy has also been mired in controversy due to his stance on the martial law incident.
The political battle lines are sharply drawn, with both major parties staking out clear, opposing narratives. As reported by Newsis, the Democratic Party is campaigning under the banner of "cleansing rebellion," seeking overwhelming support to "normalize every corner of Korea by purging pro-rebellion and pro-Yoon forces." Party leaders, including Jeong Cheong-rae and Cho Seung-rae, have condemned the PPP’s nominations as "the worst in history" and "shameless," accusing them of trying to "commit rebellion again."
On the other side, the People Power Party is framing the Democratic Party’s push for a special prosecutor to investigate President Lee Jae-myung’s charges as a "fabricated indictment" and a "judicial rebellion." PPP leader Jang Dong-hyuk has accused the Democratic Party of "destroying the rule of law and democracy," calling for voters to "judge the arrogant regime with the anger of the sovereign people." The PPP, along with allies from the Reform Party, has organized emergency meetings and an online signature campaign to rally public opposition to the special prosecutor initiative.
PPP Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon has been particularly vocal, questioning, "In what democracy does a president attempt to pardon himself?" He insists that such actions must be "absolutely prevented." The party is leveraging these themes to mobilize its base, emphasizing the election as a defense of constitutional order.
Meanwhile, candidate selection in some districts remains fluid. In Chungnam Gongju, for instance, the PPP is still deliberating whether to nominate Jeong Jin-seok, a former presidential secretary, reflecting the high stakes and careful calculations at play. In Daegu Dalseong, Lee Jin-sook has already secured the PPP nomination, further cementing the party’s presence in its traditional stronghold.
Both parties are engaged in a fierce strategic battle. The Democratic Party is determined to defend its seats, especially in regions where it has historically dominated, while the PPP is eager to make gains wherever possible. The contest is so intense that, as Yonhap News TV puts it, "the chess match between the two parties is ongoing even now."
As South Korea approaches June 3, the nation stands at a crossroads. The local and by-elections are shaping up to be a true test of public sentiment—not just about individual candidates, but about the country’s direction, its recent history, and the values it wishes to uphold. Voters’ choices will determine whether the wounds of the past are finally healed and whether South Korea can confidently declare its return to a vibrant, fully functioning democracy.