Crucial election ahead to test ruling party leadership

Factionalism is intensifying in the ruling Democratic Party of Korea ahead of the 2026 Supreme Council byelection, the result of which could have a significant influence on the party's stance in the months ahead. Candidates for the election, set for Jan. 11, will be vying for three spots on the nine-seat Supreme Council. The vacancies were left by Reps. Han Jun-ho, Jeon Hyun-heui and Kim Byung-joo who resigned to run in the 2026 local election bids. The five candidates, confirmed Wednesday, are