This article provides a scholarly analysis of the characteristics of South Korea’s party system and the evolution of its electoral system. It highlights key aspects such as the high volatility of political parties in the country, their weak institutionalization, and their factional nature. The study explains, with examples, processes such as frequent party name changes, splits, mergers, and the phenomenon of “party skin changing.” The article thoroughly examines the mixed electoral system introduced as part of democratic reforms after 1987, its transition to a two-ballot system starting in 2004, and the introduction of semi-proportional elements as a result of the 2020 reforms. It analyzes the impact of this system on the strategies of large and small parties, the formation of artificial (satellite) parties, and mechanisms for expanding parliamentary representation through them. The findings show that although South Korea’s political system remains dominated by two main blocs, small parties are gaining parliamentary seats mainly through proportional lists or by forming alliances with larger parties.

South Korea, political parties, party system, electoral system, proportional representation, satellite parties.

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