Prime Minister Kim Minseok: "The Election Commission's Actions Are Unacceptable... Parliamentary or Special Prosecutor's Probe If Needed"

Prime Minister Minseok Kim stated on June 4 that the ballot paper shortage incident that surfaced during the local elections was "absolutely unacceptable and a serious challenge to K-democracy."

After making this statement on his social networking service (SNS) account the same day, Prime Minister Kim added, "I have instructed a thorough investigation into the truth of this incident using all available means and measures, including a criminal investigation, and will hold those responsible strictly accountable." He emphasized, "If necessary, a parliamentary inquiry or a special prosecutor should be used to ensure a thorough investigation and institutional improvements."

Prime Minister Minseok Kim is entering the Emergency Economic Headquarters meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the morning of June 4, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News.

Earlier, during the June 3 local elections, some polling stations in the Seoul metropolitan area ran out of ballot papers, causing voters to wait or leave without voting. At the Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station in Songpa-gu, queue tickets were distributed and closing time was extended until 10 p.m. on the same day.

Meanwhile, Noh Taeak, Chairperson of the National Election Commission, is scheduled to make a public apology at the Gwacheon branch of the commission in Gyeonggi Province at 4 p.m. today. Separately, the election commission has established a 'Fact-Finding Committee' to determine the cause and responsibility for the incident.

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