National Assembly by-elections carry weighty implications for conservative, liberal blocs

The political fates of two major figures on the left and right of Korean politics hung in the balance in Wednesday's National Assembly by-elections, with the outcomes carrying implications for the conservative and progressive blocs alike.

Of the 14 by-elections, Busan's Buk-A district and Pyeongtaek-B drew the most attention.

Busan pits a former aide of President Lee Jae Myung against a former leader of the conservatives; Pyeongtaek brings a minor liberal opposition leader against established pa ...