2024 South Korean Legislative Election: A Comprehensive Overview
On April 10, 2024, South Korea held its legislative elections, during which all 300 members of the National Assembly were elected. The election structure comprised 254 representatives chosen from first-past-the-post constituencies and 46 selected through proportional party lists. This election served as a significant "mid-term evaluation" for President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration as it nears its third year in office.
Context and Importance of the Election
The elections provided a crucial opportunity for the ruling People Power Party (PPP) to assess its standing amidst ongoing challenges. The party's prior coalition did not achieve a majority in the last general election, raising questions about its ability to govern effectively moving forward. With public interest high, many were eager to see if the ruling party could overcome these limitations and assert more control over the legislative agenda.
Ultimately, opposition parties, notably the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), retained their majority in the National Assembly, signaling a continuation of the current political landscape. Newly elected legislators are set to convene for their first session on May 30, marking the beginning of another term filled with potential challenges and opportunities.
Background: Redistricting and Electoral Changes
In preparation for the election, a consensus was reached on February 28, 2024, between the ruling and opposition parties to redraw electoral districts. This led to an amendment in the Public Offices Election Act, which adjusted the number of constituencies from 253 to 254 while reducing the number of proportional representation seats from 47 to 46. These changes reflect the evolving political dynamics in South Korea and the necessity for an electoral system that responds to contemporary challenges.
Understanding the Electoral System
The National Assembly’s 300 seats are filled through a dual electoral system:
- **254 seats** are elected via **first-past-the-post voting**, where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins.
- **46 seats** are allocated through **proportional representation**, employing the additional member system and largest remainder method.
The minimum voting age is set at 18, allowing a wide demographic of South Koreans to participate in shaping their government.
Campaign Landscape and Political Issues
The lead-up to the election was rife with political and socioeconomic challenges. President Yoon Suk-yeol faced mounting criticism for his administration's handling of various issues, including alleged corruption linked to his wife and a former minister. Key figures from both the DPK and the Rebuilding Korea Party were embroiled in legal troubles, facing charges for bribery and forgery.
One pivotal moment in the campaign occurred on March 18, when President Yoon visited a grocery store in Seoul to discuss consumer prices. He described the price of green onions at 875 won (approximately $0.65) as reasonable, only for it to be revealed later that this was a promotional price, and the actual cost was significantly higher. This incident became a focal point for opposition candidates, who utilized the hashtag #greenonions875won on social media to underscore the perceived disconnect between the administration and everyday realities. The National Election Commission's decision to prohibit voters from bringing green onions to polling stations in response to this incident sparked further ridicule and generated a surge in green onion-themed merchandise.
Coalition Dynamics and Political Alliances
On October 27, 2023, the Justice Party and Green Party announced their intention to form an electoral alliance, inviting other left-leaning parties to join their coalition. However, this move was met with internal criticism, as prominent members of the Justice Party argued for alliances based on broader opposition to the Democratic and People Power parties rather than strict ideological alignment.
Additionally, the political climate grew increasingly tense after an assassination attempt on DPK leader Lee Jae-myung on January 2, 2024. This incident raised serious concerns about political violence and the safety of public figures in South Korea. Compounding the tension, Lee faced backlash for derogatory comments made about a rival politician, further intensifying the already charged atmosphere.
Campaign Narratives and Voter Sentiment
Throughout the campaign, the People Power Party maintained that President Yoon's administration had been hindered in advancing its reform agenda due to a resistant National Assembly controlled by the opposition. In contrast, the Democratic Party labeled Yoon’s administration as "incompetent," alleging that it had precipitated economic downturns and mishandled pressing issues such as inflation and the ongoing doctors' strike.
The Rebuilding Korea Party, under Cho Kuk, campaigned for an expedited conclusion to Yoon’s presidency, vowing to transform him from a "lame duck" to a "dead duck," reflecting deep-seated frustrations with the current administration.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As South Korea moves past the 2024 legislative elections, the new National Assembly members face significant challenges ahead. With the Democratic Party maintaining its majority, the capacity for the ruling People Power Party to enact its agenda remains uncertain. The interplay of political alliances, ongoing socio-economic issues, and public sentiment will undoubtedly shape the legislative landscape in the coming years.
As the new legislators gather for their inaugural meeting on May 30, all eyes will be on their ability to navigate these complexities and address the pressing needs of the South Korean populace. The outcome of this election may well dictate the course of governance and the political climate in South Korea for years to come.