The ruling Grand National Party, in the aftermath of its defeat in last week’s by-elections, held an intra party debate in which opposing factions clashed over how to start over.More than 110 lawmakers participated and 19 volunteered to speak in the hours-long debate on Monday, according to party officials.“We are on the verge of a major crisis,” said the party floor leader Kim Moo-sung in his ope

A governmental education institute has joined hands with its U.S. counterpart in a program to bring overseas Koreans as volunteer English teachers for students in rural areas here.The National Institute of International Education signed a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of International Education in New York on Friday, officials said. Chung Sang-ki (third from right), director of th

Following poor results for the ruling Grand National Party in Wednesday’s by-elections, the party’s leaders resolved Thursday to resign en masse and form an emergency panel next week.“We fully realize our responsibility for the given results and shall accept the people’s message,” said leader Ahn Sang-soo at a senior lawmakers’ meeting early Thursday.“All members of the supreme council have agreed

Ex-governor shakes off public doubts, paves way to presidential paceThe political status of opposition leader Sohn Hak-kyu skyrocketed as he brought a landslide victory to his party by winning in the Bundang-B constituency in Wednesday’s by-elections.He gained ground in his bid for next year’s presidential election, rising as the most powerful runner in the opposition camp. Sohn Hak-kyu (second fr

Winners of the by-elections (from left): Sohn Hak-kyu, Choi Moon-soon and Kim Tae-ho. (Yonhap News)Sohn Hak-kyu, leader of the main opposition Democratic Party, paved his way to the presidential race next year by beating his ruling party rival in the Bundang-B constituency in Wednesday’s by-elections.The ballot count started soon after the polls closed at 8 p.m. but Sohn’s lead over Kang Jae-sup,

Floor leader Park Jie-won (left front) and members of the main opposition Democratic Party cheer late on Wednesday as candidate Sohn Hak-kyu takes a lead in the by-election vote in Bundang. Yang Dong-chul/The Korea HeraldThe opposition seems to have made important progress in preparations for next year’s general and presidential elections as its candidates marked a better-than-expected performance

Candidacy of big-name politicians raises electorate participation, officials sayVoters in by-election constituencies headed to nearby polling stations on Wednesday, pulling the turnout rate up to an unprecedented level and reflecting the public’s keen interest in this year’s political races.The general voting rate in 1,353 stations in 38 constituencies nationwide as of 3 p.m. was 28.2 percent, or

The futures of the ruling and opposition parties may hinge on the results of Wednesday’s by-elections, considered a preview of next year’s general and presidential races.The by-elections are relatively minor in size, involving the replacement of three lawmakers, one provincial governor and 34 municipal or district officials. Voters cast ballots Wednesday in 38 constituencies nationwide. (From left

Fiercest battle expected in BundangParties and candidates were in last-minute campaign mode Tuesday, the day before the by-elections that may set the course for next year’s general and presidential elections.A major matter of interest for all is voter turnout.In the past, the higher the turnout, the better the chances for the opposition party.In a survey on residents of by-election constituencies,

With the by-elections taking place on Wednesday, last-minute competition between candidates has turned into a game of mudslinging and legal feuds.The main opposition Democratic Party on Monday accused Ohm Ki-young, the ruling Grand National Party candidate for Gangwon governor, of breaking election law, according to officials.“Ohm violated the public election law by operating an unregistered call