Parties shift into high gear for June local elections after Lunar New Year break

As the Lunar New Year holiday ends, Korea’s political parties are shifting into full campaign mode for nationwide local elections in June, sharpening strategies based on voter sentiment and accelerating preparations for candidate nominations. The elections will be the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office last year and are widely viewed as an early test of his political momentum — one that could help determine control of the national agenda in the years ahead. Both the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) are activating internal election committees and refining campaign messages, even as each grapples with internal tensions that could complicate plans. The DPK said public sentiment over the holiday underscored demand for political reform and relief from everyday economic strains. Party officials said they would anchor their campaign around those themes. DPK leaders said reform legislation — including bills tied to changes in the judiciary — would remain a priority during February’s extraordinary parliaWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times