Police Launch Investigation into National Election Commission over Ballot Paper Shortage... Joint Task Force to Be Formed

National Investigation Headquarters: "Necessary Investigations to Proceed Until Joint Task Force Is Formed"

The police have launched an investigation into officials at the National Election Commission who have been accused over the shortage of ballot papers. The authorities plan to swiftly carry out the necessary investigations until a joint investigation team is formed with the prosecution.

On June 8, Park Seongju, Commissioner of the National Investigation Headquarters at the National Police Agency, told reporters, "I have been informed that the complainant's interview began today at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency," adding, "A total of four cases have been filed, and all have been assigned to the Seoul Metropolitan Crime Investigation Unit." The unit has started interviewing the complainant from the People's Livelihood Countermeasures Committee.

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Police Agency, National Investigation Headquarters. Photo by Jinhyung Kang

Commissioner Park stated, "This is a matter that requires prompt investigation," and explained, "Even before the joint investigation team with the prosecution is established, we will continue preliminary investigations involving those who were unable to vote, printing companies responsible for ballot papers, and election officials." He reiterated, "We are proceeding swiftly according to the police roadmap."

Following President Lee Jaemyung’s directive to form a joint investigation team between the police and the prosecution, the two main investigative agencies have established a basic framework for cooperation. However, practical discussions have not yet taken place. A working-level meeting is expected to be held as early as today.

Commissioner Park also addressed recent incidents in which police officers and journalists were assaulted or subjected to secondary harm such as the public disclosure of personal information during protests over the ballot paper shortage. He said, "We take these matters extremely seriously," and added, "If complaints or accusations are received, we will proceed in accordance with the law and established procedures, based on collected evidence."

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