The U.S. midterm elections have delivered a decisive setback to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Democrats have captured both the House of Representatives and the Senate, fundamentally changing the political landscape in Washington. Yet the significance of this defeat should not be exaggerated. Trump has suffered a serious political setback, not a political death sentence. The Republican Party has lost control of Congress but remains a powerful political force. For Korea, misunderstanding this distinction could have serious consequences. Three issues contributed substantially to the Republican defeat: the war with Iran, concerns about corruption and the continuing struggle of ordinary Americans to afford everyday necessities. The Iran war has become a major political liability. However, dissatisfaction with the war should not automatically be interpreted as opposition to its strategic objectives. Some Americans recognize Iran as a serious security threat but question the administration's execution, costs and strategy for ending the conflict. Others oppose the war itself.