Yeouido 25 Hours — May 3, 2026
With the June 3 local elections just a month away, a fierce clash between the ruling and opposition parties over the "fabricated indictment special counsel act" has become the heart of the political scene. The Democratic Party (DP) proposed a special counsel act to investigate alleged fabricated investigations and indictments by the prosecution during the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The People Power Party (PPP) vehemently opposed it, calling it a "self-exoneration special counsel aimed at dropping the case against President Lee Jae-myung." Meanwhile, the government, responding to U.S. pressure that even delayed security talks over the Coupang issue, carried out an unusual personnel reshuffle of its entire diplomatic line to the U.S.
Yeouido 25 Hours — May 3, 2026
Today's Political Headlines
DP Proposes 'Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel Act'… Ruling-Opposition Clash
- What's happening?: The Democratic Party has proposed a special counsel act to uncover the truth behind allegations of fabricated investigations and indictments by the prosecution under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration. The DP stated the bill is for "rebuilding the rule of law by correcting prosecutorial abuse of power."
- Why it matters: Proposed just one month before the June 3 local elections, the PPP has labeled it a "self-exoneration special counsel to drop the case against President Lee Jae-myung," sparking direct repercussions for the election landscape. With tensions rising, significant friction is expected during the National Assembly's review process.
Government Reshuffles 'U.S. Diplomacy Line'… Simultaneous Changes in Seoul and Washington
- What's happening?: The government made an unusual move to replace diplomatic officials handling U.S. relations in both Seoul and Washington simultaneously. This follows the U.S. delaying security consultations citing issues with Coupang.
- Why it matters: This appears to be a "frontal breakthrough" move by the government to restore momentum in Korea-U.S. negotiations, as economic and trade conflicts are impacting security cooperation. Attention is now on the schedule for resuming bilateral talks.
14 Areas Confirmed for June 3 By-elections… Nominations Entering Final Stretch
- What's happening?: 14 areas have been confirmed for by-elections to be held alongside the June 3 local elections. With elections for 16 metropolitan government heads also taking place, both parties are in the final stages of the nomination process.
- Why it matters: The DP is attacking PPP applicants as a "gathering of the Yoon Suk Yeol-era Hanahoe," attempting to frame the election as a continuation of impeachment judgment. The nomination results are expected to be a key variable in the election landscape.
Gallup Korea Poll: DP 46% vs. PPP 21%, 25%p Gap
- What's happening?: A recent Gallup Korea poll shows the Democratic Party at 46% and the People Power Party at 21%, a 25%p difference. Regarding the local elections, 45% want more ruling party (DP) candidates to win, while 28% prefer the opposition (PPP).
- Why it matters: With the June 3 elections a month away, the ruling DP maintains a dominant lead. However, a separate survey showing 51% of centrist voters supporting ruling party candidates suggests an expansion of the support base for President Lee Jae-myung.
National Assembly Trends
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'Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel' Bill: The DP officially proposed the bill on May 1. The PPP immediately protested, calling it a "betrayal of the people and a daylight robbery," urging a "judgment through the ballot box."
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14 By-election Areas Confirmed: According to Yonhap News TV, 14 areas were finalized for by-elections to be held with the June 3 local elections. Both parties are accelerating their nomination processes.
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May 1 Assembly Schedule: According to a Yonhap News announcement, while standing committee meetings and seminars were held, no plenary session handling was scheduled due to the May Day holiday.
The Blue House & Government
- Full Reshuffle of U.S. Diplomacy Line: Responding to the U.S. delaying security talks over the Coupang issue, the government replaced its U.S.-focused diplomatic officials. MBC conveyed the government's explanation that "personnel reform was intended." The announcement was made on May 1.
Ruling-Opposition Rivalry
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'Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel' Issues: Ruling Party (DP) — Claims the goal is to uncover the truth behind prosecution fabrication and that it is essential for rebuilding the rule of law. / Opposition Party (PPP) — Senior Spokesperson Park Sung-hoon argued, "It is a violation of the rule of law through a self-exoneration special counsel," asking, "Are they a cult that has given up on being a public party?"
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June 3 Nomination Dispute: Ruling Party (DP) — Attacking PPP applicants as "the regrouping of the Yoon Suk Yeol-era Hanahoe." / Opposition Party (PPP) — Asserting that nominations are a standard political process and dismissing the DP's claims as mere political framing.
Diplomacy & Security
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Korea-U.S. OPCON Transition Talks: According to a Yonhap News English report (May 1), a U.S. expert stated that transferring operational control (OPCON) to Korea would not "dismantle" the ROK-U.S. alliance, signaling a positive tone.
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Coupang Trade Friction and Security Talks: The U.S. is delaying security consultations due to the Coupang issue. The government is responding with a full overhaul of its diplomatic line, and the resumption of talks remains a key concern.
Upcoming Schedule
- June 3 (Wed): The 9th Nationwide Local Elections and By-elections (14 areas). The results serve as the first midterm evaluation of the Lee Jae-myung administration.
- This Week: The 'Fabricated Indictment Special Counsel' bill will be discussed in standing committees. A clash between the PPP's obstruction strategy and the DP's speed-processing is expected.
- This Week: Whether security talks with the U.S. resume following the diplomatic reshuffle. Focus will also be on trade negotiations regarding the Coupang issue.
Reporter's View
Exactly one month before the June 3 local elections, the 'fabricated indictment special counsel' has become the biggest detonator in the political landscape. The DP is using this bill to fix the election frame as a "continuation of the judgment of Yoon Suk Yeol," supported by the 46% vs 21% gap in Gallup Korea polls. The PPP is attempting to win over centrist voters with a counter-frame of a "case-dropping special counsel," but it remains in a defensive position. Furthermore, the unusual situation where Korea-U.S. trade friction over Coupang is stalling security talks highlights the dual challenges the Lee Jae-myung administration faces in both domestic politics and foreign affairs. Whether the total overhaul of the U.S. diplomatic line leads to a meaningful resumption of talks will be the key point to watch over the next 1–2 weeks.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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