2016. 4. 13 (총선, national parliamentary election)

http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/economic-woes-threats-from-north-shadow-south-korea-vote-1395004

The left-wing opposition has sought to frame the vote as a referendum on Park's economic policies, but has suffered from factional infighting and breakaways that threaten to split the liberal vote to Saenuri's advantage.

But the conservatives have also suffered from internal bickering, particularly over the process for nominating candidates, which led to a number of defections by MPs now running as independents.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36033773

If the exit polls are correct - and that is not always the case in South Korea - they indicate rising discontent probably over two issues.

Firstly, attempts by the government to weaken the legal protection workers have against being sacked. President Park's government had been pushing for this as the economy weakened and, she felt, became less competitive.

Secondly, unhappiness at what opponents of the government see as a heavier hand against dissidents and protesters. A left-wing opposition party was banned and its leaders arrested for their alleged sympathies with North Korea.

Household debt is high and rising in South Korea and unemployment among young people is at levels not seen for nearly two decades. These economic concerns seem to have dominated the election. North Korea was not a major issue.