Democratic Party Steps Up Parliamentary Probe into Ballot Paper Shortage... Dismisses People Power Party's Call for Election Appeal

Morning Floor Strategy Meeting

Byungdo Han, the floor leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated on June 16, "The Democratic Party will address the overall incompetence and mismanagement of the National Election Commission, which has been exposed by the shortage of ballot papers."

Byungdo Han, Floor Leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on June 16, 2026. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

At the floor strategy meeting held at the main building of the National Assembly that morning, Floor Leader Han said, "We will adopt the plan for a parliamentary investigation into the ballot paper shortage during the plenary session on June 18 and launch special committee activities accordingly."

He explained, "The internal task force (TF) plans to hold its second and third meetings, as well as expert forums, between today and tomorrow (June 17)," adding, "We will thoroughly examine the direction for improving the election management system and the necessity of constitutional amendment from various perspectives."

Addressing the People Power Party, he criticized, "It seems they are not even willing to look at the facts."

He added, "Jang Donghyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, keeps endlessly repeating conspiracy theories like performing an Indian rain ritual. As a result, Jamsil Olympic Park has become lawless, police officers are being verbally abused, and even athletes and reporters face assaults. What's even more absurd is that they reportedly did not ask Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon a single question, and they are talking about invalidating election victories without considering the opinions of the actual winners."

He continued, "The shortage of ballots only occurred at a few polling stations, yet they are suggesting that all valid votes from citizens should be treated as invalid. Instead of wasting time contemplating appeals, they should better prepare for the parliamentary investigation."

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