U.S. observers of South Korea have looked at the presidential election in March 2022 to assess the tenor of the country’s domestic political environment. But there was another election this year that provides additional insights into the nation’s hopes and anxieties. On June 1, South Koreans went to the polls to select officials for local government positions, including provincial governors and mayors. While this election is often likened to U.S. midterm elections, there are important differences. So, what do local governments do in South Korea? What did the turnout and outcome reveal about the mood of the constituents? And where might political discussions be headed in the near future?

Please join KEI for a discussion with Dr. Park Won-ho, associate professor at Seoul National University, on what South Korean politics look like at a sub-national level and how they shape the broader policy discourse.

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