The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK)'s strategy to pass a special counsel bill has backfired, leading to tighter races in traditional strongholds of the People Power Party (PPP) ahead of the June 3 by-elections, according to multiple South Korean media reports as of May 10, 2026.
The DPK, which had been expected to win easily in several districts, now faces increased competition after the special counsel bill—aimed at investigating the previous administration—was criticized by PPP lawmakers as a political maneuver. Polls show the gap narrowing in key constituencies, including in Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, areas long considered PPP heartland.
Political analysts note that the backlash has energized PPP supporters, while some undecided voters have shifted away from the DPK. The June 3 elections will fill several vacant parliamentary seats and local government positions, and are seen as a test of public sentiment ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
As of the latest verified data, no official polls have been released for May 10, but trend lines from earlier surveys indicate the DPK's lead has shrunk by 5-7 percentage points in some districts since the bill was introduced. The DPK leadership has defended the bill as necessary for accountability, but the controversy continues to dominate campaign trails.
