Yeouido 25 Hours — April 20, 2026

Key Issues Today

People Power Party launches task force to vet DP candidates

• What’s happening: On the 20th, the People Power Party (PPP) decided to launch a task force (TF) to vet candidates from the Democratic Party (DP) ahead of the June 3 local elections. With the electoral map mostly finalized, this appears to be a strategy to gain the upper hand by scrutinizing the opposition’s candidates.
• The conflict: The PPP plans to focus on the morality and qualifications of DP candidates, while the DP is expected to counter by labeling these efforts as a negative smear campaign.
• Outlook: With about six weeks left until the June 3 elections, the war of words over candidate vetting is expected to intensify.

Seoul sentiment: "Change vs. Stability"

• What’s happening: As the Seoul mayoral race between Jung Won-oh (DP) and Oh Se-hoon (PPP) takes shape, Seoul voters are split. Field reports show a tight divide between those calling for a change and those preferring the stability of an incumbent.
• The conflict: This clash is most visible around the Han River belt. While traditional strongholds still show loyal support for their respective parties, voices calling for a different choice are emerging in several areas.
• Outlook: As the Seoul mayoral race becomes the biggest battleground of this election, both parties are expected to pour all their resources into winning over Seoul voters.

1 sources

fnnews.com

fnnews.com

Will former President Park Geun-hye campaign?

• What’s happening: Yoo Young-ha, a PPP candidate for the Daegu mayoral primary, suggested that while former President Park Geun-hye likely won't get involved in the primary itself, she could join the campaign trail in Daegu, Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, and even the Chungcheong region if a pivotal moment arises.
• The conflict: All eyes are on whether Park’s political return or influence will affect the trajectory of the PPP primaries.
• Outlook: Observers are watching to see if Park’s moves will act as a catalyst for consolidating PPP support during the local election cycle.

1 sources

seoul.co.kr

“박근혜, 판 바꿔야 할 때 움직일 듯…충청까지 지원 유세할 수도” | 서울신문

National Assembly Trends

Four bills including Public Official Election Act passed (April 18)

• Status: The National Assembly Secretariat reported that four bills, including the Public Official Election Act, were processed during the plenary session on the 18th. The Legislation and Judiciary Committee also approved plans for hearings and other legislation.
• Details: Specifics can be found on the National Assembly website. These legislative efforts focused on political reform around the April 17 deadline for drawing electoral districts for local council elections.

Weekly schedule (April 20–24)

• Status: The Secretariat released the schedule for this week. As lawmakers focus on their local districts for the June 3 elections, plenary and standing committee schedules are being adjusted.
• Details: The DP’s leadership reshuffle is also a key task, with the election of a new floor leader and the Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly (latter half) approaching early-to-mid next month.

3 sources

yna.co.kr

[오늘의 국회일정](20일·월) | 연합뉴스

yna.co.kr

내달 與원내대표·국회의장 선출…지선 전후 권력지형 변화 주목 | 연합뉴스

yna.co.kr

여야, 오늘 본회의 열어 정치개혁 법안 처리 추진 | 연합뉴스

Political Clashes

Debate over Long-Term Holding Special Deduction

• DP stance: On the 19th, the DP criticized the PPP for attacking the government's revision of the special deduction, calling it "a desperate smear campaign to protect wealthy real estate interests." President Lee Jae-myung directly refuted claims that abolishing the deduction increases the tax burden on single-home owners.
• PPP stance: The PPP hit back, arguing, "Under President Lee’s logic, every citizen who worked hard to own a home is a speculator," adding, "There is no future in a society where owning a single home is a crime."

Controversy over Unification Minister Chung Dong-young

• DP stance: Regarding the opposition’s criticism of Unification Minister Chung Dong-young’s remarks on North Korea’s "third nuclear facility," the DP countered that the PPP is "spreading rumors of a Korea-U.S. alliance crisis and acting like a pro-foreign, anti-national group."
• PPP stance: The PPP continues to level heavy criticism, arguing that Chung’s remarks could crack the Korea-U.S. alliance.

Public Sentiment

• Party Approval: A report from Gallup Korea on April 16 analyzed that the "collapse of the PPP lies in the fragmentation of its supporters." The actual figures should be verified via official Gallup releases. Interest in party approval ratings is surging as the June 3 elections draw near.
• Key Issues: The Seoul mayoral race remains a tight "change vs. stability" contest, and real estate tax issues are grabbing voter attention. In regions where by-elections are taking place, both parties are struggling with candidate nomination issues.

Upcoming Schedule

• Early-to-mid May: Election of the new Democratic Party floor leader and the Speaker of the 22nd National Assembly (latter half) — a turning point in the power structure surrounding the elections.
• June 3: June 3 Local Elections — Seoul mayoral, provincial leader, and by-elections held simultaneously.
• This Week (April 20–24): Weekly National Assembly schedule — Major legislative and standing committee activities expected during the election period.