South Korea’s Unified Local Elections: President Lee’s Pragmatic Approach Receives Positive Response

Editorial

15:14 JST, June 5, 2026

It can be said that the results reflect the fact that the administration of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who marked his first anniversary in office on June 4, has generally been viewed positively by voters.

In South Korea, quadrennial unified local elections were held on June 3. In these elections for the heads of local governments held in 16 major cities and provinces, including the capital Seoul, candidates from Lee’s ruling Democratic Party — a left-leaning party — won 12 local governments.

The Democratic Party holds a majority in the National Assembly from the 2024 general election. In the unified local elections, the party lost the mayoral race in Seoul — where about one-fifth of the country’s population is concentrated. However, it secured victories in a majority of local governments. There is no doubt that this will further stabilize the political base of the Lee administration.

Although Lee was not an activist in the student movements and is considered a non-mainstream figure within his party, he has advocated for “pragmatism,” prioritizing practical benefits over ideology.

In his foreign policy, he has promoted reciprocal visits with Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to improve relations with Japan. The South Korean economy has also been performing well, with stock prices recently hitting record highs.

The Lee administration’s policies have even gained traction with conservative voters as well. One year into his term, his approval ratings stand at over 60% — the second highest among post-democratization presidents.

It is hoped that he will leverage this stable support base to continue deepening cooperation with Japan, the United States, Australia and other countries, thereby contributing to regional stability.

A cause for concern is that the Lee administration is pushing ahead with judicial reforms and other measures by relying on its numerical strength. He is facing a criminal trial for violating public election law, among other charges, leading to speculation that his aim may be to have the charges dropped.

In addition, there are many party members and lawmakers within his party who hold anti-Japan or anti-U.S. views, and it is said that there is dissatisfaction with the policies that Lee is pursuing regarding Japan. The situation must be closely monitored to assess whether a resurgent anti-Japanese sentiment is gaining momentum within the ruling party.

Meanwhile, the conservative opposition party, the People Power Party, struggled in the elections. Criticism likely remains strong regarding the sudden declaration of martial law by then President Yoon Suk Yeol in December 2024, when the party was in power, which plunged the country into chaos.

In his declaration of martial law, the president of this democratic nation suddenly mobilized the military to suppress the opposition. Many South Koreans view it as a reckless act that negated the democratization achieved since the 1980s.

However, within the People Power Party, the rift between the “pro-Yoon faction” — those who were close to Yoon — and the “anti-Yoon faction” — those who distance themselves from Yoon — persists. In the Seoul mayoral election, the incumbent candidate, who has been critical of Yoon, won the race.

If the party postpones a thorough review of the martial law declaration and continues to harbor internal divisions, will it not be difficult to rebuild the party?

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 5, 2026)