By-election Results: Democratic Party Faces Uphill Battle to Secure 160 Seats

As a result of the upcoming National Assembly by-elections, held ahead of next month's local elections, the Democratic Party is at risk of seeing its parliamentary seats fall below 160, down from the 170 it started with after the 22nd general election. The outcome of these elections will impact the Democratic Party's governing capacity and standing.

The Democratic Party has fielded numerous incumbent lawmakers as candidates for metropolitan mayor positions in the upcoming local elections, leading to by-elections in their respective constituencies.

Most of the constituencies where incumbent Democratic Party lawmakers are running for metropolitan mayor positions are considered difficult terrain for the party to retain. Notable examples include Hanam Gap in Gyeonggi Province, Yeonsu Gap in Incheon, Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang in South Chungcheong Province, and Bukgu Gap in Busan.

The by-election in Namgu Gap, Ulsan, is also considered a difficult district for the Democratic Party. Kim Sang-wook, the incumbent lawmaker for the district, is running for Ulsan Mayor, making his constituency a by-election seat. The Democratic Party plans to nominate lawyer Jeon Tae-jin, a former judge, as its candidate for this district.

The Bukgu Gap district in Busan was the only seat the Democratic Party secured in the entire Busan region during the last general election. Candidates announced for this constituency include former party leader Han Dong-hoon, who intends to run as an independent, and former Minister Park Min-sik of the People Power Party.