South Korea's ruling Democratic Party won 12 of 16 major local government races, but lost the Seoul mayoral election to the conservative incumbent. The election was marred by ballot paper shortages in Seoul.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's ruling Democratic Party achieved a broad victory in local elections, winning 12 out of 16 major mayoral and provincial contests. However, the party suffered a significant symbolic defeat as incumbent conservative mayor Oh Se-hoon retained his position in Seoul. This outcome provides the ruling party with extensive control over local governments one year into President Lee's term. The loss of Seoul, the nation's largest city, tempers the overall success and offers a foothold for conservatives seeking to rebuild. President Lee stated the government would "humbly accept the will of the people" and cooperate with local governments regardless of party affiliation. The election was also marred by ballot paper shortages at several polling stations in Seoul, leading to voter frustration and calls for accountability from election officials. The National Election Commission apologized and promised an investigation, asserting the incidents did not warrant delaying the election.
The election results grant the ruling party significant control over local governance but the loss in Seoul provides a key challenge for President Lee's reform agenda, particularly concerning property taxation.