South Korea holds barometer elections

A series of by-elections is taking place in South Korea on Thursday, in what correspondents say will be a test of the popularity of President Kim Dae-jung's government.

Two parliamentary seats are being contested in the capital Seoul, and one in the provincial city of Kangnung.

Political commentators say there is a sense of deepening gloom over the state of the economy, and frustration with the stalemate in South Korea's attempts to create ties with the Communist North.

Correspondents say the results could serve as a barometer for local and presidential elections due next year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service