Who's who in heated battlegrounds?

The 2026 local elections, widely considered a litmus test for President Lee Jae Myung and his liberal administration, are finally here.

Of all 4,241 posts up for grabs Wednesday, including 16 key executive seats and 14 parliamentary seats being contended in by-elections, The Korea Herald shines the spotlight on a select mix of heated battlegrounds.

A loss in any of these spots could have significant ramifications for either of the two main parties, as well as the Lee Jae Myung administration its ...