Kim Sang-wook secured the Democratic Party nomination for the June 3, 2026, Ulsan mayoral race after unification talks with the Progressive Party, which prompted rival Kim Jong-hoon to withdraw. Exit polls released that evening projected a clear lead for him over People Power Party candidate Kim Doo-kyum, and final vote tallies confirmed his victory with 48.73 percent against 45.74 percent. Traders have priced this outcome at 99.5 percent, consistent with the completed local election results. A recount, successful legal challenge to the certified returns, or unforeseen procedural issue at the National Election Commission could still shift the resolution, though such developments remain uncommon in South Korean local contests once votes are tallied.