South Korea’s liberal opposition parties appear to have secured a significant victory in the parliamentary election, potentially rendering conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol politically ineffective for the remainder of his term, Associated Press reports.
Preliminary results suggest that the opposition Democratic Party and its allies may secure a combined total of 175 seats in the 300-member National Assembly, compared to the ruling People Power Party projected to obtain 109 seats. While Yoon will remain in power, his foreign policies are expected to remain unchanged, while his domestic agenda may face setbacks with increased political opposition.
The election serves as a crucial assessment of Yoon’s presidency, particularly in light of ongoing challenges such as rising medical student numbers and economic concerns. The outcome signals a potential political deadlock for South Korea in the coming years, with neither party able to pursue unilateral agendas.
