Riot Police Deployed as Chaos Erupts at Jamsil 7-dong Polling Station

Jamsil 7-dong Polling Extended 4 Hours Due to Ballot Shortage
Hundreds of Citizens and YouTubers Protest Alleged Election Fraud
Riot Police Deployed for Order, Firefighters Also Dispatched

On June 3, the day of the 9th nationwide local elections, a ballot shortage led to a suspension of voting at the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, resulting in an overnight standoff as citizens blocked the removal of the ballot boxes. As hundreds of people gathered, the police deployed dozens of riot squad members to the scene to maintain order.

On the 3rd, hundreds of citizens and conservative YouTubers gathered at the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, where a ballot shortage occurred, blocking the removal of the ballot box. Photo by Ho-Soo Park

According to the police and other sources, around 12:30 a.m. on June 4, dozens of riot police officers were deployed to the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. This polling station was one of 14 in Seoul that experienced a ballot shortage. The authorities distributed waiting tickets to residents who could not vote by 6 p.m. on the previous day, and voting continued until 10 p.m. Although voting ended, residents and conservative YouTubers surrounded the polling station, maintaining a tense standoff.

The citizens blocking the removal of the ballot boxes are demanding a halt to the ballot counting, chanting slogans such as "fraudulent election," "invalid from the start," and "dissolve the National Election Commission." They are expressing their distrust not only of the ballot shortage but of the entire election process. The involvement of conservative YouTubers has further contributed to the confusion at the scene. Some individuals even used loudspeakers to call for a halt to the ballot counting, while others wrapped themselves in the Korean and American flags.

One resident said, "I will not back down until the voting is redone." Another resident, who was waiting to vote, shouted, "I saw people bringing ballot papers in plastic bags and zipper bags by motorcycle."

On the 3rd, dozens of police riot squad members were deployed to the second polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, where a shortage of ballots occurred. Photo by Park Hosoo

Kim Jaesub, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, visited the polling station to mediate the situation, followed by fellow party member Kim Eunhye, who also protested at the scene. Arriving at the polling station around 12:40 a.m., Kim Eunhye criticized, "Delaying the delivery of ballot papers and voting machines in areas unfavorable to them is something the Maduro regime in Venezuela would do." After meeting with National Election Commission staff, Kim Jaesub stated, "The actions of the commission seriously infringe on the voting rights and suffrage guaranteed by the Constitution," adding, "This is an act that gravely undermines fair elections."

The police continue to stand off against the citizens. A police official said, "We are continuing to deploy additional personnel," and noted that "more than 50 officers may be stationed." The police are also diverting vehicles attempting to enter the polling station area or nearby roads. Firefighters and other emergency personnel have been deployed to the scene in case of any incidents.

On the 3rd, Kim Eun-hye, a lawmaker from the People Power Party, visited the 2nd polling station in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, where a shortage of ballots occurred, to protest. Photo by Ho-su Park

At Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, protesters claiming that this election was fraudulent gathered to hold a demonstration. The group, led by YouTuber Jeon Hangil, a former Korean history lecturer, moved their protest site to the National Election Commission in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, after he announced the new location on his personal broadcast.

The National Election Commission issued a public apology at 9 p.m. on the previous day, stating, "In the case of Songpa-gu, we understand that we printed ballot papers for 50% of the total number of eligible voters," and added, "We need to investigate why there was still a shortage, despite having early voters."

Meanwhile, the Citizens' Committee for Livelihood Issues filed a police complaint against National Election Commission Chairman Noh Taeak, Secretary General Heo Cheolhun, Seoul Election Commission Chairman Oh Minseok, and Secretary General Kim Beomjin, accusing them of abuse of authority and dereliction of duty.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.