President Lee: "Election Commission Reform to the Point of Dismantlement... Constitutional Amendment Considered if Necessary"

Strong Remarks on Voter Rights Violations at Senior Secretary Meeting
Criticizes "Overall Incompetence, Negligence, and Moral Hazard"
Emphasizes "Price Stability First and Foremost" Even Amid Middle East Ceasefire
Orders Response to Heatwaves, Industrial Accidents, and Vacation Season Price Gouging

On June 19, President Lee Jae-myung stated that a comprehensive legislative overhaul is urgently needed to reform the election management system to the extent of dismantling it, in light of recent incidents of voter rights violations that emerged during the election management process. President Lee also raised the issue of reforming the National Election Commission to the constitutional level, saying that if necessary, constitutional amendments should be actively considered, thereby elevating the issue beyond institutional reform to a constitutional task.

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the senior staff meeting held at the Blue House on June 19, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

During his opening remarks at the Senior Secretary Meeting held at the Blue House that afternoon, President Lee said, "An incident of voter rights infringement has occurred that is simply incomprehensible to our people," adding, "It is not only deeply regrettable, but also astonishing to witness." He went on to strongly criticize, "This incident resulted from the overall incompetence, negligence, and moral hazard of the National Election Commission, which pursued organizational interests with authority delegated by the sovereign people, while neglecting the responsibilities entrusted to it."

President Lee also mentioned that the National Assembly’s special investigation committee has begun its activities as of the previous day, and stressed, "To ensure that such problems never recur, we must swiftly proceed with a thorough investigation of the facts and a comprehensive legislative amendment to reform the existing election management system to the point of dismantlement."

He particularly emphasized, "Due to the practical limitations that even the president cannot address, there is very little we can do," and added, "We must actively consider not only institutional reform, but, if necessary, constitutional amendment as well." He stressed, "We cannot leave things as they are or cover up this issue."

President Lee also announced a strict response policy regarding the violent incidents around the Jamsil ballot counting center. He said, "A stern response is inevitable for the violent situation around the Jamsil ballot counting center that has already reached an unacceptable limit."

However, he also noted the importance of guaranteeing the freedom of peaceful assembly. President Lee stated, "Peaceful assemblies aimed at restoring popular sovereignty must be actively protected," but also emphasized, "Illegal violence and fake news that ride on such movements must be thoroughly tracked down and those responsible must be held accountable." He further stated, "The political community must not fuel social unrest by riding the wave of illegal violence," and called for "concerted efforts for a thorough investigation and fundamental election management reform."

Regarding the current situation in the Middle East, President Lee identified price stability as the top priority. He said, "A memorandum of understanding has been officially signed to mark the end of the Middle East war," and assessed, "After more than 100 days, the Middle East war is finally on the threshold of ending." However, he also noted, "The high oil prices, inflation, and increased exchange rate volatility triggered by this war have caused significant damage to our economy," and added, "It will still take considerable time for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened and for energy supply chains to be fully normalized."

President Lee continued, "We must approach the recovery of the people's livelihoods and the reinforcement of shortcomings in our industrial economy not with the mindset that it is over, but that it is just the beginning," and emphasized, "Now, the most urgent task is, first and foremost, price stability." He acknowledged that the petroleum price cap and preemptive measures have partially controlled price increases, but instructed, "Until international oil price instability is clearly resolved, we must continue to devise measures for normalizing petroleum product prices and alleviating the oil price burden on consumers."

He also called for measures to stabilize the prices and supply of key items such as eggs, vegetables, fruits, and meat. President Lee said, "We must discover extraordinary measures that go beyond existing frameworks," and added, "It is precisely when we think the crisis has passed that bold and precise responses are needed." He further warned, "If you try to save a bucket of water just because the fire seems under control, you might end up in even greater trouble," and urged, "Both the Blue House and the government must mobilize all available means, with a determination to prioritize price stability and the recovery of the people's livelihoods."

President Lee also addressed heatwave response and industrial accident prevention as key issues. He said, "The nationwide heatwave is causing a surge in heat-related illnesses," and ordered a review of heatwave response manuals and strengthening the operation of cooling shelters in schools, makeshift housing, rural areas, and industrial sites. He specifically mentioned the guarantee of the right to stop work at work sites. President Lee said, "We must closely examine the field to ensure that workers can effectively exercise their right to stop work in dangerous situations," and noted, "Recently, there has been a sudden increase in fatal falls at labor sites."

He added, "While the causes must be scientifically analyzed, I believe that, primarily, a lack of attention due to the heatwave is at play," and stated, "Guaranteeing safe working conditions and the right to stop work is extremely important for preventing industrial accidents."

President Lee also called for safety and livelihood measures for the summer vacation season. He said, "Starting next week, beaches across the country will open," and instructed, "Safety measures to prevent accidents in high-risk water play areas must be reviewed once again with great care." He also stressed, "It is essential to respond preemptively to unscrupulous price gouging, which worsens every vacation season."

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