With the June 3 local elections just two days away, the election results have emerged as a key variable that will determine the direction of the future political landscape. Beyond the reorganization of local power, the results are expected to have a comprehensive impact, affecting the policy momentum of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which marks its first year in office, the ruling-opposition relations in the second half of the 22nd National Assembly, and the next leadership structures of each party. This is also the reason why Democratic Party Chairman Chung Cheong-rae, who is seeking re-election, and People Power Party Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk, who must overcome intra-party veto debates, are staking their political lives on this election.

■ Democratic Party: Pro-Chung vs. Anti-Chung Dynamics Expected to Shake Up Ahead of National Convention This election takes place about three months ahead of the Democratic Party's national convention. There are possibilities that the power dynamics between the pro-Chung Cheong-rae faction and the non-party establishment faction could be significantly shaken depending on the results. In particular, the Jeonbuk gubernatorial election, where pro-Chung candidate Lee Won-taek faces independent candidate Kim Kwan-young, who is running after being expelled from the "Chung Cheong-rae leadership," is being evaluated as a vote of confidence for Chairman Chung. Candidate Kim has identified himself as a pro-Lee (Jae-myung) figure, attempting to form an "anti-Chung" dynamic. Cho Guk and independent candidate Han Dong-hoon are running in the by-elections for Gyunggi Pyeongtaek-eul and Busan Buk-gap National Assembly seats. Observations suggest that their entry into the National Assembly could be intertwined with the non-party establishment faction's potential offensive. In the metropolitan local government head elections, the outcomes in Seoul and Busan are drawing significant attention. If the party secures around 13 victories, it could be evaluated as having performed adequately, but if it loses around 6 seats, calls for accountability could spread. The differences in interpretation among factions regarding the criteria for victory also serve as a variable. Additionally, the political moves of former Chairman Song Young-gil, who is running in the Incheon Yeonsu-gap by-election, are being discussed as a potential factor that could influence the next party leadership structure.

■ People Power Party: Leadership Fate Debates Expected to Ignite Depending on Election Results The People Power Party could see renewed controversies over the fate of its leadership depending on the election results. Although pressure on Chairman Jang Dong-hyuk regarding his position has recently subsided due to a recovery in sentiment within the Yeongnam region, there are predictions that a devastating defeat could bring back the intra-party veto debates. Conversely, if the party performs well in the Yeongnam region and South Chungcheong Province, there is a possibility that this will be interpreted as a vote of renewed confidence, prompting an attempt to maintain the current leadership. In this case, conflicts between the party establishment and the non-establishment factions could intensify. The fate of floor leader Song Eon-seok, whose term ends on the upcoming 15th, is also a variable. Depending on the election results, changes are expected in the landscape for electing the next floor leader. Whether former Chairman Han Dong-hoon, who is running in Busan Buk-gap, gets elected is also a major point of interest, as his election would likely make his readmission to the party a major point of contention.

■ Competition for 'Legislative Hegemony' in the Second Half of the 22nd National Assembly The election results are directly tied to the operation of the second half of the 22nd National Assembly. If the Democratic Party wins, it is likely to accelerate the promotion of state affairs and strengthen its legislative push. They are also expected to try to maintain the upper hand in negotiations for the National Assembly committee composition, particularly regarding the allocation of standing committee chairmanships. On the other hand, if a voter sentiment to check the ruling party is confirmed, there is room for some pace adjustment. However, even if they lose some seats in the by-elections, the likelihood of maintaining a majority remains high, giving weight to the forecast that the party's legislative offensive will continue for the time being. Whether candidates Han Dong-hoon and Cho Guk will enter the National Assembly is also cited as a variable in the future political landscape. If candidate Han is elected, he could emerge as the central point for the reorganization of the conservative camp, and candidate Cho is also likely to directly command parliamentary strategy and expand his influence. Conversely, if both candidates lose, observations suggest that the Democratic Party-led legislative landscape will continue for the time being.