Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Candidates promise riches from chips and AI to sway regional voters, but few can actually deliver

As the prolonged semiconductor supercycle promises lucrative gains along with the ongoing AI race, politicians are increasingly turning to chips and AI as potential game changers capable of reviving struggling local economies — and winning votes.

2026-05-26

Animal rights groups focus on bullfighting policies ahead of June 3 local elections

Every year, crowds pack arenas to watch bulls lock horns in competitions that have been part of Korea’s tradition for centuries. Now, a growing number of people want these events to stop — and they are taking that demand to the ballot box.

2026-05-25

DP unveils plan to help pet owners' financial burden, stray cats

Pet owners in Korea, including foreigners, could pay smaller medical fees for their pets under the ruling Democratic Party’s (DP) unveiled initiatives centered on animal welfare.

2026-05-25

Examining election posters

Officials inspect campaign posters submitted by candidates for the local elections at the Seoul Metropolitan Election Commission in Jongno, central Seoul, on May 20.

2026-05-20

Deepfakes, real votes: Officials contend with rise in AI campaign videos ahead of June 3 election

The surge in political deepfakes before the June 3 local elections is a presenting challenge for authorities, even though the Public Official Election Act bans realistic AI-generated campaign materials within 90 days of an election.

2026-05-20

Rival parties gear up for official campaigns set to begin Thursday

The ruling Democratic Party (DP) and the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) geared up Wednesday for the June 3 local elections and parliamentary by-elections.

2026-05-20

Korean Exchange to close for local elections on June 3

The Korean stock markets will be closed on June 3, the day of local elections, the bourse operator said Wednesday.

2026-05-20

Prime minister pledges zero tolerance for disinformation, vote-buying ahead of local elections

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok pledged zero tolerance Wednesday for disinformation, vote-buying and public servants' election interference, saying the government will make sure to bring perpetrators to justice and seek the maximum penalties for them.

2026-05-20

Vote from above

An unmanned promotional blimp encouraging voter turnout for the ninth nationwide local elections flies near Mulbit Square in Yeouido, western Seoul, on May 18.

2026-05-18