Voters are choosing 16 mayors and provincial governors, along with 14 lawmakers in parliamentary by-elections. Opinion polls indicate Lee’s liberal Democratic Party of Korea is favored to outperform the conservative People Power Party, which remains weakened following the removal and conviction of former president Yoon Suk Yeol over his 2024 martial law declaration.

Political analysts say the elections will show whether Lee’s strong approval ratings, currently above 60%, can translate into long-term political dominance. Particular attention is focused on the closely watched Seoul mayoral race, seen as a major indicator of public sentiment toward the government.

As of noon, voter turnout stood at 19%, according to election officials, with about 44.6 million eligible voters registered nationwide.

The results are also expected to shape the future of South Korea’s conservative opposition, which remains divided between reformists and supporters of Yoon.