2021 South Korean by-elections

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The 2021 South Korean by-elections were held in South Korea on 7 April 2021.[1] The National Election Commission announced on 2 March 2021, that the by-elections would be held for 21 public offices or electoral districts, including 2 Metropolitan mayors, 2 Municipal mayors, 8 Metropolitan Council constituencies, and 9 Municipal Council constituencies.[1] Candidate registration ran from 18 to 19 March, and the list of candidates was confirmed on 26 March.[2]

Voters in the by-elections were able to access early voting from 06:00–18:00 KST on 2 and 3 April.[2] One early voting place was established for each district or county of the region where the re-election was conducted, and voters could vote at any pre-voting place in the district where the re-election was conducted, regardless of their address.[2] But on election day, voters had to vote at their designated polling place, and the voting time was from 6 a.m. to 8 pm.[2]

The election concluded with the mayors of Seoul and Busan, which are the largest city and the second-largest city in South Korea, respectively, being selected via by-election.[3] The two major political parties, the Democratic Party and the People Power Party, were concentrating on these by-elections, as they believed that the outcome would have a great impact on the 2022 presidential election.[3] The Democratic Party's candidate Park Young-sun, endorsed by Kim Jinai (Open Democratic Party) and Cho Jung-hun (Transition Korea), became the unity candidate of the ruling coalition.[4] For the opposition, the People Power Party's Oh Se-hoon became the unity candidate, endorsed by Ahn Cheol-soo (People Party) and Keum Tae-seop (Independent).[5]

Reasons for by-elections[edit]

The reasons and offices (constituencies) for by-elections are as follows:[6]

Metropolitan mayors and governors[edit]

Municipal mayors[edit]

  • Ulsan, Mayor of Nam District: Kim Jin-gyu (Democratic), Incumbent was removed from office by judge's ruling.
  • South Gyeongsang, Mayor of Uiryeong county: Lee Seon-du (People Power), Incumbent was removed from office by judge's ruling

Members of Metropolitan Council[edit]

Members of Municipal Council[edit]

Issues[edit]

Amendment of Democratic Party's constitution[edit]

The Democratic Party's constitution states that it cannot nominate any by-election candidates if the party caused the situation that made the by-election necessary. The Democratic Party held a vote on 2 November 2020 to their members on amending the party's constitution and almost 87 percent voted in favor of the change. The main opposition party, People Power Party, criticized the Democratic Party's decision, accusing it of revictimizing the women who were allegedly sexually harassed by the late mayor and former mayor. People Power Party interim leader Kim Jong-in said "President Moon is trying to reverse the so-called 'Moon Jae-in article', which was created while he was the party leader", calling on the president to publicly take a position on the envisioned revision of the party rules.[7]

Resignation of Yoon Suk-yeol[edit]

43rd Prosecutor General of South Korea
Yoon Suk-yeol

The ruling Democratic Party have been speeding up the creation of a new investigative agency to weaken the power of the prosecution service.[8] This move was followed by the establishment of Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials.[8] Yoon Suk-yeol, who had clashed with the Moon administration and Democratic Party,[9] publicly opposed the idea of separating powers of investigation and prosecution.[10] Minister of Justice Park Beom-kye said he will gather various opinions from members of the prosecution on establishing an agency that would handle serious crimes.[11] On 4 March 2021, Prosecutor General Yoon Suk-yeol announced his resignation in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office in protest against the government's push to weaken the power of the prosecution service.[12] On the same day, President Moon Jae-in accepted the resignation.[13]

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun has expressed regret over the resignation.[14] The main opposition People Power Party's interim leader Kim Chong-in said he would meet with Yoon if he wants to.[15] On the other hand, leader of the Democratic Party Lee Nak-yon has criticized Yoon, saying his resignation "out of the blue" was absurd for a public official.[15] But, Democratic Party's approval rating plunged to a record low since the 2017 inauguration of the Moon Jae-in government. Gallup Korea said the decrease in the Democratic Party's approval rating apparently came with its recent conflict with former Prosecutor General Yoon Suk-yeol over creating a new investigative agency to take over the prosecution's investigative powers.[16] Public support for Yoon Suk-yeol rose sharply to take the lead over other potential presidential candidates in South Korea.[17] Some political critics analyzed that Yoon Seok-youl became a big variable in the 2021 by-elections.[18]

LH scandal[edit]

A property speculation scandal involving employees in South Korea's top housing agency, the Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH), emerged in March 2021, becoming a factor in the by-elections.[19] The scandal involved 20 LH workers allegedly acting on insider information to buy undeveloped farmland near a new town development project in the Seoul region since April 2018, before the announcement of the project. There was public uproar as the scandal emerged amidst an ongoing housing affordability crisis in South Korea. Median apartment prices in Seoul have soared nearly 60% since President Moon came into office in May 2017, despite repeated property price cooling measures implemented by the Moon administration.[20] As a result, President Moon's approval ratings sank to 34%, the lowest approval rating of his term after the scandal emerged along with the administration's clash with the prosecution.[21][22]

Mayor of Seoul[edit]

2021 Seoul mayoral by-election
← 2018 7 April 2021 (2021-04-07) 2022 →
Seoul Metropolitan Mayor.
Elected by simple majority using first past the post.
Triggered by death of incumbent
 
Candidate Oh Se-hoon Park Young-sun
Party People Power Democratic
Popular vote 2,798,788 1,907,336
Percentage 57.50% 39.18%
Mayor of Seoul before election

Seo Jung-hyup (acting)
Independent

Subsequent Mayor of Seoul

Oh Se-hoon
People Power

See also: Mayor of Seoul

Background[edit]

Death of Park Won-soon[edit]

The death of Park Won-soon, the mayor of the largest city in South Korea, was hugely impactful on the 2021 by-elections.[23] This was even more shocking to South Koreans because he was a noted women's rights activist.[23][24] He fought against authoritarian rule in South Korea and was put in prison in the 1970s as a college student.[24] After becoming a lawyer, he took on many cases related to women's rights. It was his well-known[citation needed] achievement that he won South Korea's first sexual harassment case.[25] So, it was seen as a shock that the person who had been fighting for women rights committed suicide after his female employee accused him of sexual harassment.[26]

Increased attention of female candidates[edit]

Because of the sexual harassment incidents of incumbent mayors, each political party paid attention to female candidates.[27] In December 2020, the majority of the potential candidates in Seoul are women, showing the rival parties' bid to promote themselves as women-friendly.[28] Three women (Na Kyung-won, Cho Eun-hee and Lee Hye-hoon) from the main opposition People Power Party have announced their Seoul mayoral bids. The possible female candidates from the Democratic side are Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun and Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Chairwoman Jeon Hyun-hee.[28] In addition, political parties are considering adding or increasing women's additional points to the primary rules. The Democratic Party maintained the existing 10–25% of the women's additional point, and the People Power Party decided to reflect the women's additional points at 10% in the main primary race and 20% in the preliminary primary race.[29]

Connection between 2011 by-election and 2021 by-election[edit]

In 2011, South Korea held a by-election to fill vacant Seoul Mayor. Mayor Oh Se-hoon who was incumbent from 2006 to 2011 staked his mayoralty on Seoul free lunch referendum. Oh Se-hoon opposed to give free meals to all children, insisting that free lunch policy is "populism",[30][31] and promised that he will resign if the outcome of referendum is not in favor of his 'selective' policy. However, the referendum which turnout have to be exceed one third of electorate was invalidated by low turnout. Eventually, Mayor Oh resigned on 26 August 2011, as promised and 2011 South Korean by-elections were held in Seoul for his replacement.[32]

Park Won-soon, who become Mayor of Seoul for Oh Se-hoon's replacement, had started as the underdog at the early phase. Then, Independent frontline runner Ahn Cheol-soo who had been a strong supporter of Park Won-soon's famous civic group endorsed him for Seoul Mayor.[33][34] Thanks to the support of Ahn Cheol-soo, Park Won-soon overtaken Na Kyung-won, the frontline runner of the ruling Grand National Party, in a poll.[35]

On 27 September 2011, Na Kyung-won who worked as the GNP's spokeswoman from 2006 to 2008 was nominated as the GNP candidate.[36][37] Meanwhile, the opposition coalition unified the candidate. Independent candidate Park Won-soon, Democratic candidate Park Young-sun and Democratic Labor candidate Choi Gyu-yeop participated in the candidate unification primary, and Park Won-soon won the primary and became the nominee of the opposition coalition.[38] On 26 October 2011, Park Won-soon was elected by 7.19%, winning 53.40% of the votes. On the other hand, Na Kyung-won won 46.21% of the votes and become second place.[39] So, there is a saying that it is similar to the 2011 by-election in that Park Young-sun, Na Kyung-won, Oh Se-hoon, and Ahn Chul-soo, who were involved in the 2011 mayoral by-election, are running for the Seoul mayoral by-election in 2021.[40]

Registered candidates[edit]

# Party Name Date of birth Career Property
(KRW, thousand) 		Tax payment
(KRW, thousand) 		Criminal record Note
1 Democratic Party of Korea Park Young-sun January 22, 1960 (age 64) Fmr. Minister of SMEs and Startups
Fmr. Member of the National Assembly (2004–2020) 		5,669,123 1,115,967 None
2 People Power Party Oh Se-hoon January 4, 1961 (age 63) Fmr. Mayor of Seoul (2006–2011)
Fmr. Member of the National Assembly (2000–2004) 		5,934,143 209,692 None
4 People Party Ahn Cheol-soo January 22, 1962 (age 62) Withdrew
6 Basic Income Party Shin Ji-hye October 22, 1987 (age 36) Standing Leader of the Basic Income Party
Fmr. Teacher of the Poidong Inyeon Study 		77,709 27,779 None
7 National Revolutionary Party Heo Kyung-young July 13, 1947 (age 76) Fmr. South Korean Presidential Candidate (1997 & 2007)
Honorary President of the National Revolutionary Party 		7,262,241 1,907,142
3 records
  • Traffic Accident Handling Special Act (fined KRW 1,000,000)
  • Traffic Accident Handling Special Act/Road and Traffic Act (fined KRW 2,000,000)
  • Defamation/Public Official Election Act (jailed for 1 year 6 months)
8 Mirae Party Oh Tae-yang October 26, 1975 (age 48) Leader of the Mirae Party
Fmr. Secretary-General of the Youth Party 		0 159
1 record
  • Military Service Act (jailed for 1 year 6 months)
9 Minsaeng Party Lee Su-bong June 23, 1961 (age 62) Interim Leader of the Minsaeng Party (ERC)
Fmr. Director of the Policy Institute of the KCTU 		318,000 2,110
1 record
  • Assembly and Demonstration Act (jailed for 1 year)
10 New United Liberal Democrats Bae Yeong-gyu February 25, 1961 (age 63) Fmr. Chairman of the Sambu Construction
Legal Consultant of the Samsung Insurance 		10,000 4,446
5 records
  • Real Estate Registration Special Measure Act (fined KRW 2,000,000)
  • Trademark Act (fined KRW 1,000,000)
  • Perjury (fined KRW 2,000,000)
  • False accusation/Act on the registration of real right holder of real estate (sentenced to 8 years jail, but with 2 years of probation.)
  • Fraud (sentenced to 1 year jail, but with 2 years of probation.)
11 Women's Party Kim Jin-ah August 1, 1975 (age 48) Fmr. Creative Director of the Innocean Worldwide
Writer of "I'm just looking for my pie, I'm not here to save humanity" 		245,100 7,803 None
12 Progressive Party Song Myeong-suk January 23, 1987 (age 37) Co-Leader of the Progressive Party
Director of the Central Training Institute of the Progressive Party 		-7,118 301
1 record
  • General traffic obstruction/Assembly and Demonstration Act (fined KRW 1,000,000)
13 Independent Chung Dong-hui September 8, 1968 (age 55) Writer of "Seoul Mayor, 12 Stars", "3 o'clock Korea" etc.
Fmr. Candidate for South Korean National Assembly in Gangnam I (2020) 		2,327,306 307,760 None
14 Independent Lee Do-yeop June 14, 1984 (age 39) Military Interpreter at Korean Augmentation To the United States Army (Sergeant)
Writer of "Jyushinji" 		112,900 0 None
15 Independent Shin Ji-ye June 20, 1990 (age 33) Leader of the Korean Women's Political Network
Fmr. Green Party Candidate for Seoul Mayor (2018) 		0 3,473 None
Source: National Election Commission Archived 20 March 2021 at the Wayback Machine

Candidate unification[edit]

Democratic Party Ticket
Park Young-sun
for Mayor
2nd
Minister of SMEs and Startups
(2019–2021)
Supported by
Kim Jin-ae (Open Democratic)
Cho Jung-hun (Transition Korea)
Campaign
People Power Party Ticket
Oh Se-hoon
for Mayor
8th–9th
Mayor of Seoul
(2006–2011)
Supported by
Ahn Cheol-soo (People)
Keum Tae-seop (Independent)
Campaign Archived 3 April 2021 at the Wayback Machine

Because of first past the post voting, South Korean politicians often try 'candidate unification' by opinion polls not to split the voters of their side.[41] In 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, People Power Party, People's Party and Independent candidate Keum Tae-seop agreed to unify their candidacy. According to the procedure they agreed on, in the first phase, the independent Keum Tae-seop and the People's Party unites their candidacy, and the winner of the first stage unify with the People Power Party candidate in the second stage.[42] Meanwhile, the ruling Democratic Party proposed unification to Open Democratic Party and Transition Korea. The candidates of each party expressed their stance in favor of the candidate unification.[43]

As opposition coalition had announced their unified candidate on 23 March 2021, Seoul mayoral by-election became a two-way race between the pan-liberal candidate Park Young-sun and the pan-opposition candidate Oh Se-hoon.[44]

Ruling coalition[edit]

Open Democratic Party candidate Kim Jin-ae announced her resignation from the National Assembly to run for Seoul Mayor on 2 March 2021, and demanded fair unification rule to the Democratic Party and their candidate Park Young-sun.[45] Candidate Kim insisted on debating three times for unification, but the Democratic Party that worried about running out of time to promote their candidate balked at this idea.[46]

On 8 March 2021, Democratic candidate Park Young-sun won the 1st round of candidate unification primary against Transition Korea candidate Cho Jung-hun. Details of the poll results were not released to the public.[47]

On 17 March 2021, Park Young-sun defeated Open Democratic Party candidate Kim Jin-ae in 2nd round of unification primary.[4]

Opposition coalition[edit]

On 4 February 2021, People Party Ahn Cheol-soo and Independent Keum Tae-seop began to discuss the details of their unification.[48] Both sides agreed to hold a TV debate on 18 February, but there were some conflict over the details.[49] In the debate, Ahn and Keum clashed over annual LGBTQ Pride parade. Keum Tae-seop asked Ahn if he would be willing to participate on Pride parade if elected as the mayor of Seoul.[50] Ahn Cheol-soo opposed annual Pride parade in the Gwanghwamun area, saying "If we hold the Queer Festival in the Gwanghwamun area, there will be people voluntarily coming to see the festival there, but there are also others who have to be in the area for other reasons or who visit with their children. Their rights to refuse such things should be respected as well."[51] Keum criticized Ahn's remarks in a radio interview the following day, saying he was disappointed as they lacked consideration for the basic human rights of the LGBTQ community.[50] And the progressive Justice Party's Sexual Minority Committee criticized Ahn's view and demand an apology for LGBTQ people, stating "It is an open repression and oppression against LGBTQ people by who do not view LGBTQ as fellow citizens"[52]

On 1 March 2021, Ahn Cheol-soo won the 1st round of candidate unification primary. Details of the poll results were withheld in accordance with the National Election Commission's guidelines.[53] After that, Oh Se-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo have met and discussed on the unification process. They said both sides agreed on the need to field a unified candidate and that it would be desirable to do so before the candidate registration period expires.[54] On 16 March 2021, Ahn Cheol-soo said that he will seek to merge the People Party with People Power Party regardless of whether he defeats Oh Se-hoon in a unification primary.[55] Ahn hoped his plan would help ease concerns that he would abandon the PPP after becoming the unified candidate and launch a third party with former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl, who is one of the leading potential 2022 presidential candidate.[55] But, on 18 March, the People Power Party and People's Party announced that they failed to make an agreement of procedures and other details before the registration period ends on 19 March.[56]

On 19 March, Ahn Cheol-soo announced that he would accept the PPP's conditions. But, on the same day, Oh Se-hoon pointed out that it has not been clarified as to what degree Ahn is willing to accept, and raised an issue with remarks by the People's Party secretary general, who said the percentage of landline phone survey results will be negotiated and the survey will include questions on who is a better candidate in terms of competitiveness.[57] The PPP had demanded 10 percent of the poll should be conducted through landline telephones and Ahn was known to have demanded the poll should only ask "competitiveness" of the candidates, not "adequacy".[58] Eventually, Oh Se-hoon and Ahn Cheol-soo held a separate press conference at the same time on the same day. Oh Se-hoon announced that he will accept the Ahn's demand that all votes in the primary be cast via mobile phones and Ahn also announced that he will accept the PPP's demands on landline telephones.[58] Some view this strange concession as a strategy to woo more voters to their side.[58][59]

On 23 March, both campaigns jointly announced Oh Se-hoon's victory from two mobile surveys of a total 3,200 Seoul residents that evaluated the candidates' adequacy and competitiveness.[5] Ahn Cheol-soo said he accepts the outcome, before vowing to work hard to help the unified opposition bloc win the election.[60] Park Young-sun called Oh Se-hoon an outdated mayor who failed, while referring to herself as a mayor for the future.[61]

Primary and Nomination[edit]

Democratic Party[edit]

Democrats are worried about by-elections as two metropolitan mayors of their party dead or resigned due to sexual allegations.[62] The fact of the incident can not be confirmed as the investigation become impossible by death of Mayor Park, but it was said that it would be very disadvantageous to the Democratic Party.[63] Moreover, since Seoul and Busan are the first and second cities in South Korea by population, one of the biggest concerns of the Democratic Party is that this by-election which will be unfavorable to them may affect the 2022 presidential election.[3]

On 1 March 2021, Former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun won the primary and become the Democratic Party nominee in 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, defeating Assemblyman Woo Sang-ho.[64]

2021 Seoul mayoral Democratic primary[65]
Party Candidate Party members Poll SUM
Votes % % %
Democratic Park Young-sun 50,211 63.54 72.48 69.56
Democratic Woo Sang-ho 28,814 36.46 28.52 30.44
Turnout 79,025 53.52
Registered electors 147,642 100

People Power Party[edit]

On 4 March 2021, People Power Party announced the result and the winner of the primary. Former Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon was selected as the People Power Party's candidate to run 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election.[68] Oh Se-hoon won 41.64 percent of the support and his primary rival Na Kyung-won won 36.31 percent.[69]

2021 Seoul mayoral People Power Party primary[70]
Party Candidate Poll (%)
People Power Oh Se-hoon 41.64
People Power Na Kyung-won 36.31
People Power Cho Eun-hee 16.47
People Power Oh Shin-hwan 10.39

Justice Party[edit]

On February 3, 2021, Justice Party decided not to field candidates in the April mayoral by-elections after its leader was expelled for a sexual abuse scandal.[77]

People's Party[edit]

Open Democratic Party[edit]

Kim Jin-ae was nominated as the candidate of Open Democratic Party on 9 February 2021. The Open Democratic Party announced on same day that Kim Jin-ae received 3660 votes (66.3%) out of the total number of votes 5518 in the primary, overtaking former lawmaker Chung Bong-ju. Chung Bong-ju won 1858 votes (33.7%).[79]

Other parties[edit]

Independents[edit]

Debates[edit]

Major candidates[edit]

No. Date and time Host Programme Broadcaster Presenter(s) Viewer
rating 		Candidates Link
 P  Participant     A  Absent invitee    O  Out of race (eliminated or withdrawn)    N  Non-invitee Park
Young-sun 		Oh
Se-hoon 		Lee
Su-bong
1 29 March 2021; 22:40–24:20 KST MBC MBC 100min Debate MBC Chung Jun-hee 6.2%[90] P P N Youtube
2 30 March 2021; 22:00–24:00 KST National Election Commission 2021 Seoul Mayoral by-election
invited candidate debate 		KBS1/MBC Park Tae-seo 8.7%[90] P P P Website
3 5 April 2021; 14:00–15:30 KST Korean Broadcasting Journalists Club Korean Broadcasting Journalists Club
invitational Debate 		KBS1, MBC, SBS,
YTN, MBN, CBS 		Chung Kwan-yong 2.1%[91] P P N Youtube

During the first televised debate, both candidate clashed with real estate issues and Moon Jae-in administration's anti-speculative policies amid LH scandal. Park Young-sun raised allegations against Oh Se-hoon that he received 3.65 billion KRW in 2009 in compensation for land in Seoul's Seocho district, after his involvement in the area being designated a residential zone. Oh Se-hoon denied that he was aware of the land under his wife's name or the development plan. Oh Se-hoon then attacked Moon administration's housing policies aimed at curbing soaring housing prices, saying the government policies have only served to exacerbate the problem and start a vicious economic cycle. Park Young-sun acknowledged some failure in the policies and said she will introduce new measures.[92]

During the second debate, Park Young-sun continued interrogating Oh Se-hoon on the suspicion of his land compensation. Park argued that Oh should have known as the mayor at that time. She also pointed out that the residences of then President Lee Myung-bak and his brother Lee Sang-deuk, then a ruling party politician, were located nearby and raised suspicions that the decision to develop the area was also aimed at benefiting them. Oh denied again her claim, saying the decision was made by the director-general of Seoul at that time, not him. He said there's no need to be briefed to him, because the housing plan had been discussed since he become Seoul Mayor. Oh then criticized Park over the controversy that she and her husband purchased a residence in Tokyo, to which Park responded by accusing him of raising it to divert attention away from the suspicions directed at him.[93]

The last debate were held on Monday, 5 April 2021, by Korea Broadcasting Journalists Club. Oh Se-hoon criticized that Park Young-sun's housing plans are unrealistic and unachievable. Park Young-sun argued during the debate that he lied about the controversial land development project, which allegedly benefited his wife and her family. Then, Oh said Park's candidacy itself is a lie by the ruling party, which had promised not to produce a candidate for a by-election made necessary due to its elected members' indiscretion while in office.[94]

Minor candidates[edit]

No. Date and time Host Programme Broadcaster Presenter(s) Candidates Link
 P  Participant     A  Absent invitee    O  Out of race (eliminated or withdrawn)    N  Non-invitee Shin
Ji-hye 		Huh
Kyoung-young 		Oh
Tae-yang 		Bae
Yeong-hyu 		Kim
Jin-ah 		Song
Myeong-suk 		Chung
Dong-hui 		Lee
Do-yeop 		Shin
Ji-ye
1 29 March 2021; 14:30–16:30 KST National Election Commission 2021 Seoul Mayoral by-election
non-invited candidate debate 		KBS1/MBC Lee Kyu-won P P P P P P P P P Website

Polling[edit]

Poll source Client Date(s)
administered 		Method Sample
size 		Margin
of Error 		Park
Young-sun 		Oh
Se-hoon 		Ahn
Cheol-soo 		Huh
Kyung-young 		Kim
Jin-ah 		Song
Myeong-suk 		Shin
Ji-ye 		Others None Don't know
or no answer
IPSOS/Korea/Hankook KBS/MBC/SBS 20–21 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,006 95%, ±3.1%p 27.3% 30.2% 24.0% 0.6% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% 1.0% 17.4% 1.8%
For more information, visit the National Election Survey Deliberation Committee
Poll source Client Date(s)
administered 		Method Sample
size 		Margin
of Error 		Park
Young-sun 		Woo
Sang-ho 		Ahn
Cheol-soo 		Oh
Se-hoon 		Na
Kyoung-won 		Cho
Eun-hee 		Keum
Tae-seop 		Kim
Jin-ai 		Others None Don't know
or no answer
Next Research SBS 13 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,008 95%, ±3.1%p 27.4% – 24.0% 26.1% – – – 2.4% 1.0% 17.4% 1.8%
Hankook Research KBS 8–9 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.5%p 30.5% – 22.4% 23.1% – – – 2.1% 1.6% 11.1% 9.1%
Embrain Public News1 7–8 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,009 95%, ±3.1%p 33.3% – 23.4% 24.6% – – – 2.9% 1.5% 11.2% 3.1%
WinG Korea Asia Economy 6–7 March 2021 ARS(M-VN) 1,002 95%, ±3.1%p 30.3% – 24.7% 27.9% – – – 4.1% 2.3% 8.0% 2.0%
Realmeter MBC 100min Debate 19–20 February 2021 ARS
(M-VN 80%, L-RDD 20%) 		1,030 95%, ±3.1%p 31.1% 7.3% 23.2% 9.4% 14.2% 1.9% 1.9% 2.5% 1.5% 5.3% 1.6%
Realmeter TBS, YTN 7–8 February 2021 LI 50%, ARS 50%
(M-RDD 80%, L-RDD 20%) 		1,016 95%, ±3.1%p 26.2% 7.7% 19.0% 9.4% 15.1% 2.8% 1.4% 1.3% 2.8% 11.5% 2.7%
For more information, visit the National Election Survey Deliberation Committee
Virtual polling (two-way)
Poll source Client Date(s)
administered 		Method Sample
size 		Margin
of Error 		Woo
Sang-ho 		Park
Young-sun 		Ahn
Cheol-soo 		Oh
Se-hoon 		Na
Kyoung-won 		Others None Don't know
or no answer
IPSOS/Korea/Hankook KBS/MBC/SBS 20–21 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,006 95%, ±3.1%p – 30.4% – 47.0% – 3.3% 16.1% 4.1%
– 29.9% 45.9% – – 2.7% 17.7% 4.0%
IPSOS JoongAng Ilbo 19–20 March 2021 ARS
(M-VN 15.2% L-RDD 84.8%) 		1,002 95%, ±3.1%p – 36.8% – 50.6% – 1.5% 9.4% 1.8%
– 35.6% 52.3% – – 1.2% 10.0% 0.9%
Realmeter Munhwa Ilbo 13–14 March 2021 ARS
(M-RDD 80% L-RDD 20%) 		1,030 95%, ±3.1%p – 37.4% – 54.5% – 3.6% 3.0% 1.5%
Realmeter Munhwa Ilbo 13–14 March 2021 ARS
(M-RDD 80% L-RDD 20%) 		1,030 95%, ±3.1%p – 37.8% 55.3% – – 2.9% 2.2% 1.8%
PNR Mirae Hankook Research
Aju Business Daily 		14 March 2021 ARS
(M-VN 84% L-RDD 16%) 		806 95%, ±3.5%p – 34.1% – 47.7% – 8.1% 6.6% 3.5%
– 33.0% 50.8% – – 8.4% 5.4% 2.5%
Kanta Korea The Chosun Ilbo/TV Chosun 13 March 2021 ARS(M-VN) 806 95%, ±3.5%p – 34.2% – 46.5% – 0.6% 3.8% 14.9%
– 33.8% 45.2% – – 1.9% 3.2% 15.9%
STI STI 12–13 March 2021 ARS(M-VN) 1,000 95%, ±3.1%p – 33.1% – 51.8% – 8.0% 4.9% 2.4%
– 32.3% 53.7% – – 5.7% 5.8% 2.4%
Next Research SBS 13 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,008 95%, ±3.1%p – 35.0% – 42.3% – 3.9% 17.2% 1.5%
– 33.6% – 45.4% – 2.2% 17.7% 1.1%
PNR Mirae Hankook Research/
Money Today 		13 March 2021 ARS
(M-VN 81% L-RDD 19%) 		802 95%, ±3.5%p – 36.1% 46.2% – – 9.1% 5.7% 3.0%
– 34.8% 46.7% – – 9.8% 5.2% 3.5%
Hankook Research KBS 8–9 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.5%p – 39.5% – 44.3% – 2.3% 9.1% 4.9%
– 37.0% 44.9% – – 2.8% 10.0% 5.4%
Embrain Public News1 7–8 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,009 95%, ±3.1%p – 38.7% 46.2% – – 1.5% 10.4% 3.2%
– 39.3% – 43.1% – 1.9% 12.3% 3.4%
WinG Korea Asia Economy 6–7 March 2021 ARS(M-VN) 1,002 95%, ±3.1%p – 38.8% 49.2% – – 4.5% 5.4% 2.0%
– 39.5% – 49.3% – 2.9% 6.3% 2.0%
IPSOS JoongAng Daily 5–6 March 2021 LI
(L-RDD 14.9% M-VN 85.1%) 		1,004 95%, ±3.1%p – 41.6% – 45.3% – 1.5% 10.6% 1.0%
– 39.8% 47.3% – – 1.2% 10.7% 0.9%
4 March 2021 People Power Party's nomination
1 March 2021 Democratic Party's nomination
RnSearch Daehan Economic 25–26 February 2021 ARS(M-VN) 818 95%, ±3.4%p – 34.1% 36.7% – – 16.3% 10.6% 2.0%
– 35.8% – – 35.2% 13.0% 12.8% 3.2%
– 35.4% – 33.4% – 15.6% 13.1% 2.4%
Hangil Research MBN 15–16 February 2021 ARS(M-VN) 807 95%, ±3.4%p – 39.0% – – 27.2% 20.5% 11.3% 1.9%
– 39.5% – 27.0% – 18.1% 13.7% 1.7%
– 39.3% 39.4% – – 18.1% 13.7% 1.7%
IPSOS SBS 6–9 February 2021 LI
(L-RDD 10% M-VN 90%) 		800 95%, ±3.5%p – 43.7% – – 33.7% 7.7% 14.5% 0.5%
– 45.1% – 33.0% – 8.0% 13.4% 0.5%
– 40.6% 43.5% – – 3.7% 11.5% 0.6%
35.7% – – – 36.3% 7.6% 20.2% 0.3%
35.3% – – 37.7% – 7.2% 19.5% 0.2%
33.0% – 46.9% – – 4.4% 15.4% 0.4%
KRi MBC 8–9 February 2021 LI(M-VN) 804 95%, ±3.5%p – 46.0% – – 33.7% 0.2% 18.4% 1.6%
– 45.3% – 36.1% – 0.7% 16.3% 1.6%
– 41.9% 41.4% – – 0.4% 14.6% 1.8%
33.9% – – – 37.9% 0.7% 26.4% 1.1%
31.0% – – 41.8% – 0.5% 25.0% 1.6%
29.3% – 44.7% – – 0.9% 23.4% 1.8%
Realmeter TBS, YTN 7–8 February 2021 LI 50%, ARS 50%
(M-RDD 80%, L-RDD 20%) 		1,016 95%, ±3.1%p – 39.7% – – 34.0% 6.2% 16.8% 3.3%
– 38.9% 36.3% – – 5.7% 15.9% 3.2%
– 40.6% – 29.7% – 7.2% 18.5% 4.0%
29.1% – – – 34.4% 7.5% 26.3% 2.7%
28.2% – 40.4% – – 5.5% 23.0% 3.0%
30.6% – – 32.7% – 5.5% 23.0% 3.0%
Embrain Public Munhwa Ilbo 5–6 February 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.46%p – 43.1% – – 36.1% 2.5% 16.7% 1.6%
– 37.7% 46.6% – – 1.5% 12.4% 1.8%
– 42.3% 39.3% – – 1.6% 14.4% 2.4%
Hankook Research Hankook Ilbo 4–6 February 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.5%p – 41.1% – – 41.3% 9.0% 2.7% 6.0%
– 40.8% – 41.8% – 9.0% 1.9% 6.6%
– 39.2% 46.0% – – 7.4% 2.2% 5.1%
33.5% – – – 44.9% 11.6% 3.7% 6.2%
32.5% – – 46.0% – 11.5% 3.7% 6.3%
31.2% – 50.4% – – 9.5% 3.1% 5.8%
Jowon C&I Sisa Journal 1–2 February 2021 ARS(M-VN) 1,000 95%, ±3.1%p – 41.7% – – 33.7% 9.9% 10.0% 4.8%
– 41.0% 36.8% – – 7.8% 9.5% 4.9%
For more information, visit the National Election Survey Deliberation Committee
Virtual polling (three-way)
Poll source Client Date(s)
administered 		Method Sample
size 		Margin
of Error 		Woo
Sang-ho 		Park
Young-sun 		Ahn
Cheol-soo 		Oh
Se-hoon 		Na
Kyoung-won 		Others None Don't know
or no answer
IPSOS JoongAng Ilbo 19–20 March 2021 ARS
(M-VN 15.2% L-RDD 84.8%) 		1,002 95%, ±3.1%p – 32.9% 23.2% 32.3% – 1.0% 8.0% 2.7%
Realmeter Munhwa Ilbo 13–14 March 2021 ARS
(M-RDD 80% L-RDD 20%) 		1,030 95%, ±3.1%p – 33.3% 25.1% 35.6% – 2.3% 2.2% 1.5%
PNR Mirae Hankook Research/
Aju Business Daily 		14 March 2021 ARS
(M-VN 84% L-RDD 16%) 		806 95%, ±3.5%p – 30.7% 26.1% 34.7% – 2.7% 4.8% 1.0%
Kanta Korea The Chosun Ilbo/TV Chosun 13 March 2021 ARS(M-VN) 806 95%, ±3.5%p – 28.8% 27.2% 19.9% – 2.1% 5.0% 17.0%
PNR Mirae Hankook Research/
Money Today 		13 March 2021 ARS(M-VN 81% L-RDD 19%) 802 95%, ±3.5%p – 33.0% 32.5% 27.9% – 3.3% 2.1% 1.2%
Hankook Research KBS 8–9 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.5%p – 35.0% 25.4% 24.0% – 2.1% 8.0% 5.5%
Embrain Public News1 7–8 March 2021 LI(M-VN) 1,009 95%, ±3.1%p – 35.8% 26.0% 25.4% – 1.4% 9.3% 2.1%
IPSOS JoongAng Daily 5–6 March 2021 LI
(L-RDD 14.9% M-VN 85.1%) 		1,004 95%, ±3.1%p – 35.8% 24.2% 26.4% – 1.7% 9.3% 2.5%
Hangil Research MBN 15–16 February 2021 ARS(M-VN) 804 95%, ±3.4%p – 37.8% 27.9% – 20.8% 6.8% 5.2% 1.6%
– 39.3% 31.3% 16.1% – 6.6% 5.6% 1.0%
KRi MBC 8–9 February 2021 LI(M-VN) 804 95%, ±3.5%p – 39.7% 27.1% – 19.2% 0.4% 12.4% 1.3%
– 38.7% 27.8% 19.6% – 0.1% 12.8% 1.0%
28.1% – 30.0% – 21.9% 0.5% 18.2% 1.3%
28.1% – 31.2% 20.3% – 0.6% 18.6% 1.1%
Realmeter TBS, YTN 7–8 February 2021 LI 50%, ARS 50%
(M-RDD 80%, L-RDD 20%) 		1,016 95%, ±3.1%p – 37.5% 22.7% – 25.0% 3.6% 9.9% 1.4%
– 37.7% 26.7% 18.7% – 4.2% 11.4% 1.3%
Hankook Research Hankook Ilbo 4–6 February 2021 LI(M-VN) 800 95%, ±3.5%p – 35.7% 27.0% – 22.8% 6.8% 1.2% 6.4%
– 37.0% 29.6% 19.0% – 6.6% 1.7% 6.1%
26.7% – 29.6% – 24.7% 8.2% 2.9% 5.9%
27.7% – 34.5% 21.8% – 7.2% 2.1% 6.7%
Jowon C&I Sisa Journal 1–2 February 2021 ARS(M-VN) 1,000 95%, ±3.1%p – 38.4% 21.6% – 22.6% 4.5% 8.3% 4.6%
For more information, visit the National Election Survey Deliberation Committee
Polling method

Exit poll[edit]

KBS/MBC/SBS exit poll[95][96]
Demographic group Park Oh
Total vote 37.7 59.0
Age
18–29 years old 34.1 57.3
30–39 years old 38.7 56.5
40–49 years old 49.3 48.3
50–59 years old 42.4 55.8
60–69 years old 29.1 69.7
70 and older 25.2 74.2
Age by gender
18–29 years old men 22.2 72.5
18–29 years old women 44.0 40.9
30–39 years old men 32.6 63.8
30–39 years old women 43.7 50.6
40–49 years old men 51.3 45.8
40–49 years old women 47.8 50.2
50–59 years old men 45.1 52.4
50–59 years old women 40.3 58.5
60+ years old men 28.3 70.2
60+ years old women 26.4 73.3

Young voters, who have traditionally sided with the Democratic Party, voted for the conservative PPP according to the Seoul exit polls. PPP's Oh Se-hoon won by a margin of 55.3 percent to 34.1 percent among voters in their 20s, and 56.5 percent to 38.7 percent among voters in their 30s. Among male voters in their 20s, Oh received a staggering 72.5 percent support in the exit poll. This swing among young voters to the PPP was attributed to the Moon government's left-leaning real estate policies, such as tightening of borrowing rules and raising various home-related taxes, affecting young people who wish to buy a home of their own. More importantly, the Democratic Party's continued support for feminism and women-prioritized policies had caused severe social divisions between young men and women, which prompted male 20s to vote for the conservative Oh. The PPP's Lee Junseok and Ha Taekyoung's role in promoting social unity amongst males and females while giving voice to the male 20s played a critical role. The Democratic administration was perceived to be of double standards, as seen in the alleged meddling of former Justice Minister Cho Kuk and his wife in their children's school admissions, sexual harassment cases of both former Seoul and Busan mayors affiliated with the ruling party, and the Democrats' decision to field candidates against its internal rule prohibiting competing in by-elections caused by "serious wrongdoing" by its members and seen as a critical factor in the Democrats losing support from young voters.[97]

Park Young-sun's comment that young people had a weak sense and experience of history after the release of weak poll numbers among young voters was said to have backfired on the DP. In contrast, Oh embraced the youth vote by hosting campaign events with young voters making endorsement speeches went viral online, and by promising to deliver speedy measures to increase housing supply in Seoul and also to look after the reinstatement and recovery of the victim of sexual harassment by the previous mayor Park Won-soon.[97]

Results[edit]

2021 Seoul mayoral by-election[98][99]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
People Power Oh Se-hoon 2,798,788 57.50 +34.16
Democratic Park Young-sun 1,907,336 39.18 –13.61
National Revolutionary Huh Kyung-young 52,107 1.07 (new)
Women's Kim Jin-ah 33,421 0.68 (new)
Basic Income Shin Ji-hye 23,628 0.48 (new)
Independent Shin Ji-ye 18,039 0.37 -1.30
Progressive Song Myeong-suk 12,272 0.25 -0.19
Minsaeng Lee Su-bong 11,196 0.23 (new)
Mirae Oh Tae-yang 6,483 0.13 -0.10
Independent Chung Dong-hui 1,874 0.03 (new)
Independent Lee Do-yeop 1,664 0.03 (new)
New Liberal Democratic Union Bae Yeong-gyu 634 0.01 (new)
Informal votes 35,188
Turnout 3,523,239 58.2 TBD
Registered electors 8,425,869 +0.5

Mayor of Busan[edit]

2021 Busan mayoral by-election
← 2018 7 April 2021 (2021-04-07) 2022 →
Busan Metropolitan Mayor.
Elected by simple majority using first past the post.
Triggered by resignation of incumbent
 
Candidate Park Heong-joon Kim Young-choon
Party People Power Democratic
Popular vote 961,576 528,135
Percentage 62.67% 34.42%
Mayor of Busan before election

Lee Byung-jin (acting)
Independent

Subsequent Mayor of Busan

Park Heong-joon
People Power

Primary[edit]

Democratic Party[edit]

On 6 March 2021, Kim Young-choon won Democratic preselection for the Busan mayorship, defeating Byeon Sung-wan and Park In-young.[100]

Candidates[edit]

People Power Party[edit]

On 4 March 2021, Park Heong-joon won PPP preselection for the Busan mayorship, defeating Park Seong-hun and Lee Un-ju.[104]

Candidates[edit]

List of registered candidates[edit]

# Name Party Date of birth Career Notes
1 Kim Young-choon Democratic (1962-02-05) 5 February 1962 (age 62) Former Member of the National Assembly
Former Minister of Oceans and Fisheries (2017–2019)
Former Secretary-General of the National Assembly (2020)
2 Park Heong-joon PPP (1960-01-19) 19 January 1960 (age 64) Former Professor at Dong-a University (1991–2021)
Former Member of the National Assembly for Suyeong (2004–2008)
Former Senior Secretary to the President for Political Affairs (2009–2010)
Former Secretary-General of the National Assembly (2014–2016)
6 Sohn Sang-woo Mirae (1981-12-16) 16 December 1981 (age 42) Head of the Mirae Party for Busan
7 Bae Joon-hyun Minsaeng (1973-02-08) 8 February 1973 (age 51) Head of the Minsaeng Party for Busan
8 Jeong Kyu-jae FDP (1957-01-12) 12 January 1957 (age 67) Former Chief Editor of Korea Economic Daily
Founder and former Chief of Pennmike
9 Roh Jung-hyun Progressive (1978-01-28) 28 January 1978 (age 46) Former Member of the Yeonje District Council (2010–2014)
Head of the Progressive Party for Busan
Source: National Election Commission

Results[edit]

2021 Busan mayoral by-election[98][109]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
People Power Park Heong-joon 961,576 62.67 +25.51
Democratic Kim Young-choon 528,135 34.42 -20.81
Freedom and Democracy Party (South Korea) Chung Kyu-jae 16,380 1.06 (new)
Progressive Roh Jeong-hyeon 13,054 0.85 (new)
Mirae Son Sang-woo 7,933 0.51 (new)
Minsaeng Bae Jun-hyeon 7,251 0.47 (new)
Informal votes 11,722
Turnout 1,546,051 52.7 -6.1
Registered electors 2,936,301 -0.1

Municipal Mayor[edit]

Mayor of Nam District, Ulsan[edit]

2021 Nam District mayoral by-election
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Seo Dong-wook 69,689 63.73
Democratic Kim Seok-gyeom 24,223 22.15
Progressive Kim Jin-seok 15,431 14.11
Turnout 110,136 40.50
Registered electors 271,967

Mayor of Uiryeong County[edit]

2021 Uiryeong County mayoral by-election
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Oh Tae-wan 7,335 44.33
Democratic Kim Chung-gyu 4,942 29.87
Independent Oh Yong 2,158 13.04
Independent Kim Chang-hwan 2,109 12.74
Turnout 16,997 69.51
Registered electors 24,452

Member of Metropolitan Council[edit]

Seoul Metropolitan Council[edit]

2021 Seoul Metropolitan Council by-election: Gangbuk 1st
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Lee Jong-hwan 18,912 50.78
Democratic Kim Seung-sik 18,325 49.21
Turnout 38,723 52.99
Registered electors 73,147

Gyeonggi Metropolitan Council[edit]

2021 Gyeonggi Metropolitan Council by-election: Guri 1st
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Paik Hyeon-jong 14,150 54.86
Democratic Shin Dong-hwa 11,641 45.13
Turnout 26,002 28.34
Registered electors 91,734

North Chungcheong Metropolitan Council[edit]

2021 North Chungcheong Metropolitan Council by-election: Boeun
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Won Gap-hui 5,549 41.16
Independent Park Kyeong-suk 4,923 36.52
Democratic Kim Gi-jun 3,007 22.30
Turnout 13,591 46.53
Registered electors 29,212

South Jeolla Metropolitan Council[edit]

2021 South Jeolla Metropolitan Council by-election: Suncheon 1st
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Han Chun-ok 8,055 64.79
Independent Ju Yun-sik 4,377 35.20
Turnout 12,597 26.31
Registered electors 47,888
2021 South Jeolla Metropolitan Council by-election: Goheung 2nd
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Park Seon-jun 9,045 53.34
Independent Chung Sun-yeol 7,912 46.65
Turnout 17,141 55.71
Registered electors 30,771

South Gyeongsang Metropolitan Council[edit]

2021 South Gyeongsang Metropolitan Council by-election: Goseong 1st
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Paik Su-myeong 6,175 56.57
Democratic Ryu Jeong-yeol 2,600 23.82
Independent Lee Woo-yeong 2,140 19,60
Turnout 11,006 50.18
Registered electors 21,932
2021 South Gyeongsang Metropolitan Council by-election: Uiryeong
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Son Tae-yeong 10,043 61.76
Democratic Chung Kwon-yong 6,218 38.23
Turnout 16,996 69.51
Registered electors 24,452
2021 South Gyeongsang Metropolitan Council by-election: Hamyang
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Kim Jae-woong 8,253 48.61
People Power Park Hui-gyu 6,548 38.56
Democratic Chung Jae-gak 2,176 12.81
Turnout 17,158 49.13
Registered electors 34,922

Member of Municipal Council[edit]

Seoul[edit]

2021 Yeongdeungpo Council by-election: F electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Cha In-yeong 12,626 59.12
Democratic Yang Songi 8,727 40.87
Turnout 22,084 60.69
Registered electors 36,390
2021 Songpa Council by-election: D electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Kim Sun-ae 23,313 62.96
Democratic Bae Shin-jeong 11,115 30.01
Mirae Choi ji-seon 2,559 7.01
Turnout 37,833 62.13
Registered electors 60,895

Ulsan[edit]

2021 Ulju Council by-election: B electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Park Ki-hong 14,376 61.38
Democratic Kim Ki-rak 9,043 38.61
Turnout 23,660 32.62
Registered electors 72,521

Gyeonggi[edit]

2021 Paju Council by-election: A electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Park Su-yeon 11,039 49.04
Democratic Son Seong-ik 9,268 41.17
Progressive Kim Yeong-jung 2,200 9.77
Turnout 22,649 20.18
Registered electors 112,024

South Chungcheong[edit]

2021 Yesan Council by-election: D electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Hong Won-pyo 3,029 41.41
Democratic Lee Heung-yeop 2,345 32.06
Independent Shin Hyeon-mo 1,422 19.44
Independent Lee Kyeong-il 307 4.19
Independent In Hui-yeol 211 2.88
Turnout 7,368 46.28
Registered electors 15,921

North Jeolla[edit]

2021 Gimje Council by-election: B electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Kim Seung-il 3,103 46.73
Independent Kim Seong-bae 2,086 31.42
Independent Moon Byeong-seon 957 14.41
Independent Choi Hoon 493 7.42
Turnout 6,693 32.14
Registered electors 20,825

South Jeolla[edit]

2021 Boseong Council by-election: C electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Cho Yeong-nam 2,209 45.12
Independent Kim Mi-yeol 2,204 45.02
Independent Yoon Jeong-jae 482 9.84
Turnout 4,962 61.44
Registered electors 8,076

South Gyeongsang[edit]

2021 Uiryeong Council by-election: D electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
Independent Yoon Byeong-yeol 1,826 50.19
People Power Cha Seong-gil 1,812 49.80
Turnout 3,771 70.04
Registered electors 5,384
2021 Haman Council by-election: C electoral district
Party Candidate Votes %
People Power Hwang Cheol-yong 5,215 74.34
Democratic Cho Ho-gi 1,800 25.65
Turnout 7,068 41.07
Registered electors 17,209

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