South Korea's ruling party has won a majority of local races today but lost
the critical Seoul mayorship.

It's a setback for President Lee Jae Myung as he seeks a stronger political
mandate.

The Democratic Party won 12 of 16 mayoral and provincial gubernatorial
positions up for grabs...

while the opposition People Power Party won four, including the Seoul race.

The PPP has been disheveled since former President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed
from office and sentenced to life in prison over his martial law declaration.

Experts say that the Democratic Party should have won the Seoul race, given
the favorable political landscape.

Today marks one year in office for Lee, with his approval ratings above 60%.

He's been credited with what he calls "pragmatic diplomacy," which is Lee's
way of balancing ties with the US and Japan as his party also seeks to
develop warmer ties with its northern neighbor.