Shincheonji sect leader probed over allegations of forced party memberships, political ties Investigators on Thursday questioned the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, a nonmainstream religious sect, over suspicions he forced church members to join the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ahead of elections in 2021 and 2024. 2026.6.4
PPP's Yu Eui-dong wins Pyeongtaek-B by-election, clawing back one seat from DP Yu Eui-dong of the People Power Party (PPP) won the by-election in Gyeonggi's Pyeongtaek-B constituency, one of the most hotly contested races of Wednesday's parliamentary by-elections, coming out on top as the liberal bloc split its vote. 2026.6.4
Expelled from his party, Han Dong-hoon storms back with Busan by-election win Han Dong-hoon, the former People Power Party (PPP) leader who was expelled from the party in January, won a National Assembly by-election in Busan's Buk-A constituency early Thursday, claiming the first parliamentary seat of his political career. 2026.6.4
DP on track to win resounding victory in local elections, including Seoul mayor's race The ruling Democratic Party (DP) was on track to secure sweeping victories in Wednesday’s local elections, reflecting strong nationwide voter support and bolstering President Lee Jae Myung's policies going forward. 2026.6.3
DP set for resounding victory in Korea's local elections, exit polls suggest The liberal Democratic Party (DP) looks set to win a resounding victory in Wednesday's local elections, according to a joint exit poll announced shortly after voting ended. 2026.6.3
It's all Greek to Lee, Jang with Plato-inspired barbs flying as voting winds down Politicians continued to trade blows on social media as polls for the local elections prepared to close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, with President Lee Jae Myung and People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok sharing Plato-inspired barbs. 2026.6.3
Record high early voting tells us little about who's actually winning, experts say With a record share of voters casting ballots before Election Day, Korea’s major parties are racing to convince supporters that the momentum is on their side. Analysts, however, say the historic turnout may reveal little about who is actually ahead. 2026.6.3
With one day before vote, parties warn candidates and campaign staff against last-minute gaffes With the June 3 local elections a day away, both of Korea's major parties have sent the same message down the ranks: Don't become the story. 2026.6.2
PPP accuses Lee of election interference after poll visit, online statements President Lee Jae Myung’s early vote on Friday and subsequent social media posts encouraging voter turnout are drawing accusations of election interference from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) ahead of the June 3 local and by-elections. 2026.5.31
Korea's local elections to be President Lee's first litmus test, even if direct impact on governance unlikely Exactly a year after people across Korea voted for a new president on June 3 of last year, another nationwide election will take place next week, serving as the first litmus test for the Lee Jae Myung administration. 2026.5.28
![Lee Man-hee, center, the founder of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, appears at the office of a prosecution-police task force in Seoul on June 4 to undergo questioning on suspicions of violating the Political Parties Act. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12518433.jpg?imageId=12518433&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![People Power Party candidate Yu Eui-dong cheers on the morning of June 4 at his campaign office in Anjung-eup, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi, as his win becomes certain. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12584562.jpg?imageId=12584562&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Independent candidate Han Dong-hoon greets supporters on June 4 at his campaign office in Busan's Buk District after his by-election win is confirmed. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12533843.jpg?imageId=12533843&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Members of the ruling Democratic Party await the results of the exit poll for the local elections on June 3 at the party’s situation room in the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12588674.jpg?imageId=12588674&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Members of the ruling Democratic Party await the results of the exit poll for the local elections on June 3 at the party’s situation room in the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12610624.jpg?imageId=12610624&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![The main opposition People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok makes an ″X″ sign during a meeting of the party’s central election campaign committee held at the National Assembly in Yeongdeungpo District, western Seoul, on June 3. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12582105.jpg?imageId=12582105&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![An election official displays a ballot-marking stamp at a polling station set up in Seongbuk District, eastern Seoul, on June 2. [JOONGANG ILBO]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12596413.jpg?imageId=12596413&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Left: Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae delivers remarks in Jeonju, North Jeolla. People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok speaks at the People Power Party's Daegu chapter in Suseong District, Daegu, on May 25. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12535469.jpg?imageId=12535469&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![President Lee Jae Myung, left, and first lady Kim Hea Kyung walk out of the polling booth holding their votes during early voting in Jongno District, central Seoul, on May 29. [YONHAP]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12535396.jpg?imageId=12535396&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)
![Democratic Party candidate Chong Won-o, left, and his People Power Party rival Oh Se-hoon campaign on May 25 for the Seoul mayoral race. [NEWS1]](https://image.koreajoongangdaily.com/12523228.jpg?imageId=12523228&width=240&height=184&format=webp&format=jpg)