The chairs of South Korea's Democratic Party of Korea and People Power Party discussed implementing stricter requirements for foreign permanent residents to participate in local elections during a recent meeting. The proposed changes would affect noncitizens with F5 permanent residency status, potentially increasing the minimum residency requirement for voting from three to five years. Additionally, the parties are considering prohibiting noncitizens from voting if their home countries do not grant voting rights to South Korean citizens. The People Power Party's Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon has introduced a bill suggesting the five-year residency requirement for noncitizen voting, emphasizing the principle of reciprocity and the need for stricter limits on noncitizen voting. The Democratic Party has initiated an internal review of potential changes to election laws following the meeting, indicating a willingness to consider the People Power Party's suggestions. The discussions reflect a growing focus on reevaluating the voting rights of noncitizens in South Korea ahead of the upcoming municipal elections.