[Robert J. Fouser] Familiar patterns, Seoul surprise

In South Korea, as in other democracies, elections fall into two broad categories: those that reveal emerging trends and those that confirm trends from previous elections.

The local elections for mayors, governors and local legislators held on June 3 fit the latter, but with one surprise.

Overall, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea performed well, despite the surprise loss of the mayoral election in Seoul.

The ruling party gained seven mayors and governors, giving it 12 out of 16 nationwide.

T ...