The number of parliamentary re-elections and by-elections to be held alongside the June 3 nationwide local elections has been finalized at 14 constituencies. With a series of "presidential contender-level" figures throwing their hats into the ring, the results are expected to shape the direction of each party's national conventions.
According to the National Election Commission on Tuesday, the June 3 parliamentary re-elections and by-elections will be held in a total of 14 constituencies. The re-election districts are Pyeongtaek-B in Gyeonggi Province and Gunsan-Gimje-Buan-A in North Jeolla Province. By-elections will be held in 12 districts, including Busan Buk-A and Daegu Dalseong. With many incumbent lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea stepping down to run for metropolitan mayoral posts, the by-elections have taken on the scale of a "mini general election."
One of the most closely watched districts is Pyeongtaek-B in Gyeonggi Province. The Democratic Party has fielded former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam, previously of the Saenuri Party, while the People Power Party has nominated former three-term lawmaker Yoo Eui-dong, who previously represented Pyeongtaek-B. With Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk and Progressive Party Standing Representative Kim Jae-yeon also entering the race, a multi-candidate contest has taken shape. The prevailing view is that Cho's performance here could serve as a gauge of his future political standing. While he has drawn a line for now, attention is also focused on whether he will consolidate his candidacy with former lawmaker Kim Yong-nam.
"Considering the merger with the Democratic Party expected around August, a victory by Cho could serve as a springboard for him to emerge as a presidential contender within the broader ruling bloc," a Democratic Party official said. "The outcomes of the by-elections in each region, not just Cho's, are expected to reshape the national convention dynamics within each camp."
Incheon Yeonsu-A, where former Democratic Party leader Song Young-gil is making his comeback bid, is also a key battleground. Political observers say that if Song succeeds in his comeback, he could aim not only for the party leadership but also for a presidential run. The People Power Party has made a single nomination of Park Jong-jin, chairman of the Incheon Seo-B district committee, but Song is currently seen as holding the upper hand. Former Gangwon Governor Lee Kwang-jae, who received a strategic nomination for Hanam-A in Gyeonggi Province, is also expected to strengthen his presence within the party by returning to the National Assembly as a four-term lawmaker if elected.
Busan Buk-A, where former People Power Party leader Han Dong-hoon is running, is also seen as a district whose outcome could reshape the power structure of the conservative camp. Even as the People Power Party's candidate nomination is expected to split the conservative vote, analysts say that if Han defeats Ha Jung-woo, the former Presidential Office AI and Future Planning Secretary known as President Lee Jae-myung's "trusted confidant," it could shift the entire dynamic of the conservative camp. The scenario would weaken People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, whose leadership is already being questioned, while strengthening Han's influence.
