South Korea Local Election Ballot Shortage: President Lee Jae-myung Expresses Regret, Prosecution and Police Launch Investigation

(Central News Agency, Seoul, 7th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated today that he has ordered a full investigation into the ballot shortage that occurred during recent local elections, and said that both the prosecution and police will participate in the investigation.

According to Reuters, Lee said on social media platform X, "As a citizen and as the president responsible for national governance, I deeply regret this."

South Korea held local elections last week, but due to the ballot shortage, some eligible voters were unable to cast their ballots.

Noh Tae-ak, the head of the independent National Election Commission (NEC) overseeing the voting process, resigned afterward. However, thousands of people protested outside a counting station in Seoul, demanding a re-run of the local elections.

In his post, Lee described the incident as "incomprehensible" and said the NEC's subsequent response and explanations were insufficient.

He stated that he has requested the National Assembly to investigate the facts, formulate measures to prevent similar incidents from recurring, and hopes to discuss reform plans for the NEC. (Editor: Xu Chongzhe) 1150607