At local polls, national politics weighs heavily on voters

Before the early summer heat had fully set in, residents in light clothing began lining up inside an elementary school in Seocho, southern Seoul, early Wednesday morning.

Some arrived holding their family members’ hands, while others waited quietly with their arms folded.

It marked the start of a long Election Day, with South Koreans casting up to seven ballots to fill local posts ranging from mayors and governors to education superintendents and local council members.

Final results were expecte