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Exit Polls Project Big Win for Lee's Party as South Koreans Vote in High-Turnout Local Elections

Broadcaster exit polls signal the Democratic Party taking 10–11 of 16 top offices and the vote could widen the party's control as official counts and a Seoul ballot-shortage dispute continue.

Supporters of Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party hold signs during an election campaign for June 3 nationwide simultaneous local elections in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, June 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Seoul mayoral candidate Oh Se-hoon of the main opposition People Power Party speaks during an election campaign for June 3 nationwide simultaneous local elections in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o, top center, of the ruling Democratic Party raises his hands with his party members during an election campaign for June 3 nationwide simultaneous local elections in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Seoul mayoral candidate Chong Won-o, third from right, of the ruling Democratic Party poses with supporters during an election campaign for June 3 nationwide simultaneous local elections in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Overview

  • Broadcaster exit polls on June 3 projected the ruling Democratic Party would win roughly 10 to 11 of the 16 metropolitan mayoral and provincial governor races, giving the party a clear advantage in key cities.
  • The National Election Commission reported about 27.1 million ballots cast when polls closed, a turnout of roughly 60.8 percent driven in part by a record early-voting rate of 23.51 percent.
  • The NEC confirmed ballot shortages at 14 polling stations in Seoul—12 in Songpa, one in Gangnam and one in Gwangjin—which led the main opposition People Power Party to demand counting be stopped while investigations proceed.
  • Fourteen parliamentary by-elections held the same day could bring national figures such as Cho Kuk and Han Dong-hoon into the National Assembly, a change that would affect future party dynamics and potential presidential jockeying.
  • A strong result for the Democratic Party would reinforce President Lee Jae Myung's mandate after his first year in office and likely smooth cooperation between central and regional governments as final official counts continue.