South Korea Tests Democracy's Recovery in Local Elections One Year After Martial Law Crisis

South Korea held nationwide local elections on June 3, 2026—exactly one year after Lee Jae-myung won the presidency following his predecessor's unconstitutional martial law decree. These subnational contests measure whether voters remain confident in Lee's handling of the institutional aftermath, or whether fatigue with crisis politics demands a shift. The results will signal democratic resilience and shape Lee's political capital for advancing defense modernization and high-tech industry leadership.