Ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for the June 3 local elections that are seen as a test of public gauge for political polarization, with the conservative bloc still in disarray over the aftermath of the botched imposition of martial law by former President Yoon Suk Yeol. The upcoming elections, which include parliamentary by-elections in more than 10 constituencies, are expected to serve as the first major bellwether of public support for the policies of President Lee Jae Myung's administration since its launch in June last year. The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), which won last year's presidential election and the parliamentary elections in 2024, is aiming for another victory to strengthen its legislative mandate and push its policy agenda. Meanwhile, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) seeks to end its losing streak and overcome its crisis following former President Yoon's martial law declaration, subsequent ouster and conviction for leading an insurrection. The PPP, which won in 12 of the 17 municipalities in the 2022 local elections, seeks to defend key