South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party wins local elections overall, but faces a potential setback in the capital. Multiple reports say the party has secured broad support in local contests, reflecting the political momentum of President Lee Jae Myung. However, the party’s performance in Seoul is less certain, with results indicating it could lose the Seoul mayoral race. One outlet notes that the race is affected by a controversy involving ballot paper shortages, suggesting possible administrative disruptions or voter impact during voting. The reports present the election outcome as a mixed picture for the ruling party: consolidation at the local level alongside heightened risk of losing Seoul’s top municipal post. While the governing party appears to strengthen its position through local victories, the prospect of defeat in Seoul signals a more contested political environment ahead of future national implications. Overall, the coverage emphasizes that the ruling party’s local sweep does not automatically translate into control of Seoul, where the mayoral outcome remains the key concern.