DP dominates local elections, PPP holds Seoul and ballot controversy — Ep. 135

On this week’s episode, the team breaks down South Korea’s June 3 local elections, where the Democratic Party won 12 of 16 major mayoral and gubernatorial races while the People Power Party held Seoul. They examine what Oh Se-hoon’s narrow victory in the capital means for President Lee Jae Myung’s second year in office, as well as how ballot shortages in some Seoul districts gave the PPP new ammunition against the National Election Commission. The conversation also looks at key by-election results, including Han Dong-hoon’s win in Busan, the future of the conservative camp and signs of possible Democratic Party leadership changes ahead. The episode closes with a look at what these developments could mean for South Korea’s political and business landscape in the weeks ahead as well as a preview of a major U.S. delegation visit and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s trip to Seoul for meetings with Korean business leaders. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, June 4, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill