Journalist

Lim Byung-sik
  • Ruling Democratic Party dominates early vote counting in S. Koreas local elections
    Ruling Democratic Party dominates early vote counting in S. Korea's local elections SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - Early vote counting for the June 3 local elections shows the ruling Democratic Party taking the lead in 14 of 16 metropolitan and provincial races, including the Seoul mayoral election. The conservative People Power Party is leading in only one region, North Gyeongsang Province. If the current trend continues, the elections will end in a sweeping victory for the Democratic Party. The early results suggest that voters in the first nationwide elections since President Lee Jae Myung took office a year ago are heavily backing the ruling party. The Democratic Party framed the election as a judgment on the 2024 insurrection and a vote for government stability, countering the opposition's calls to hold the current administration accountable. According to the National Election Commission, 14.0 percent of all votes had been counted as of 10 p.m. Wednesday. In the highly contested Seoul mayoral race, where 5.46 percent of votes have been counted, Democratic Party candidate Jung Won-oh is leading with 65.72 percent against People Power Party incumbent Oh Se-hoon, who has 31.88 percent. The counting rate remains below average in Seocho and Songpa districts, which are traditional conservative strongholds in the capital. The Seoul mayoral race was marred by logistical issues earlier in the day when polling stations in Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin districts ran out of ballot papers, leaving voters waiting in line. The People Power Party is demanding a halt to the vote counting and calling for a revote in the city. In Gyeonggi Province, Democratic Party candidate Choo Mi-ae leads with 51.07 percent over the People Power Party's Yang Hyang-ja, who has 43.16 percent. In Incheon, Democratic Party candidate Park Chan-dae is ahead with 60.04 percent against the People Power Party's Yoo Jeong-bok at 39.04 percent. The Democratic Party also took early leads in four regions that exit polls conducted by three major broadcasters had projected as tight races: Busan, Daegu, North Jeolla Province, and Gangwon Province. In Busan, the Democratic Party's Jeon Jae-soo leads with 53.60 percent against the People Power Party's Park Hyung-jun. In Daegu, Kim Boo-kyum of the Democratic Party has 53.48 percent, leading the People Power Party's Choo Kyung-ho. In Gangwon Province, the Democratic Party's Woo Sang-ho is ahead of the People Power Party's Kim Jin-tae with 54.00 percent. In North Jeolla Province, Democratic Party candidate Lee Won-taek is leading independent Kim Kwan-young with 52.52 percent to 41.37 percent. Democratic Party candidates Min Hyung-bae in Jeonnam-Gwangju Special City and Wi Seong-gon in Jeju Province are certain to win, securing 81.62 percent and 61.35 percent, respectively. For the People Power Party, Lee Cheol-woo is the likely winner in North Gyeongsang Province with 64.64 percent. The race for South Gyeongsang Province governor remains a dead heat with 14.98 percent of the votes counted. Democratic Party candidate Kim Kyoung-soo has 49.71 percent, narrowly trailing the People Power Party's Park Wan-soo at 50.28 percent. The Democratic Party is also dominating the 14 parliamentary by-elections held alongside the local elections. In the Busan Buk-gap district, with 8.7 percent of votes counted, Democratic Party candidate Ha Jung-woo is leading with 53.37 percent. He is comfortably ahead of independent Han Dong-hoon at 38.55 percent and the People Power Party's Park Min-shik at 8.06 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Pyeongtaek-eul district, where 6.1 percent of the vote has been counted, Rebuilding Korea Party candidate Cho Kuk is leading a three-way race with 38.12 percent. He is followed by the Democratic Party's Kim Yong-nam at 32.80 percent and the People Power Party's Yu Eui-dong at 23.76 percent. In the Gongju-Buyeo-Cheongyang district of South Chungcheong Province, Democratic Party candidate Kim Young-bin leads with 55.06 percent against the People Power Party's Yoon Yong-geun at 39.26 percent, with 10.48 percent of votes counted. In Ulsan's Nam-gap district, traditionally considered a conservative stronghold, Democratic Party candidate Jeon Tae-jin is leading with 57.41 percent against the People Power Party's Kim Tae-gyu at 37.40 percent, based on a counting rate of 8.7 percent. In Gyeonggi Province's Hanam-gap district, which saw a razor-thin margin in the previous general election, Democratic Party candidate Lee Kwang-jae is leading with 66.42 percent against the People Power Party's Lee Yong at 31.66 percent, with 14.0 percent of the vote counted. The People Power Party is securing a significant lead in Daegu's Dalseong-gun district, where Lee Jin-sook has 64.54 percent compared to the Democratic Party's Park Hyung-ryong at 35.45 percent, with 32.3 percent of the vote counted. Of the 14 seats contested in the by-elections, 13 were previously held by the Democratic Party and one by the People Power Party. 2026-06-03 23:59:28
  • Cabinet Reshuffle Expected Following Democratic Party Victory in Local Elections
    Cabinet Reshuffle Expected Following Democratic Party Victory in Local Elections 6·3 local elections concluded without surprises, resulting in a victory for the ruling Democratic Party, which has shifted focus to the formation of the second Cabinet of the people's sovereignty government.According to political sources on June 3, President Lee Jae-myung is expected to initiate a Cabinet reshuffle soon.The most significant focus is on the Prime Minister position. Kim Min-seok, who is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the party leadership, is likely to submit his resignation within this month. On June 2, he held a farewell dinner with Cabinet members at the Prime Minister's residence in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, which some in the political arena interpreted as a goodbye gathering.The attention on the next Prime Minister is heightened not only because it is a key appointment but also because potential candidates are already serving in the Cabinet.In the Blue House, speculation has arisen that Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik and Policy Chief Kim Yong-beom could be appointed as the next Prime Minister. As the administration enters its second year, it is essential to demonstrate governance achievements, making the likelihood of surprising external appointments low.Among current Cabinet members, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Koo Yun-cheol, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeong-kwan, and Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung are also being considered.Minister Jeong passed the 28th Judicial Examination and graduated from the Judicial Research and Training Institute alongside President Lee. He has maintained a close relationship with the President for nearly 40 years, often referred to as a leader of the pro-Lee faction during Lee's tenure as Democratic Party leader.On the same day, President Lee encouraged voting through a message on X (formerly Twitter), announcing Minister Jeong's entry into social media and urging followers to support him.As Prime Minister Kim's resignation is anticipated, the nomination of his successor will likely lead to appointments of other ministers and Blue House aides.There are indications that evaluations of the first Cabinet's performance have concluded. A significant reshuffle involving three to four ministries is expected, creating a tense atmosphere within those departments. Given President Lee's governance style, a thorough performance-based reshuffle is anticipated. The second Cabinet appointments are expected to resume around July, coinciding with departmental reports.If Minister Jeong is not nominated as the next Prime Minister, he is expected to retain his position. Minister Kim, who heads the Ministry of Trade, is likely to remain in his role due to the continuity required in U.S.-Korea tariff negotiations and the transition to AI in manufacturing.Ministers Jeong Dong-young (Unification), Park Jin (Foreign Affairs), Ahn Gyu-baek (Defense), and Baek Kyung-hun (Science and ICT) may also be included in the reshuffle.The reshuffle of Blue House aides is also imminent. The vacancies left by former Chief of Future Planning for AI Ha Jung-woo and former spokespersons Kim Nam-jun and Jeon Eun-soo, who left to run in the elections, will need to be filled. There is also speculation that individuals who campaigned but unfortunately lost may be considered for future talent pools.Additionally, rumors of personnel changes at the senior secretary level are circulating within and outside the ruling party.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:57:00
  • Democratic Party Poised for Unprecedented Power Grab in Local Elections
    Democratic Party Poised for Unprecedented Power Grab in Local Elections The Democratic Party has achieved a significant victory in the June 3 local elections, positioning itself to gain control over legislative, central administrative, and local powers, a feat described as a "triple crown." According to Yonhap News, as of 10 p.m. on June 3, the Democratic Party is leading in 14 out of 16 regional governor elections. If this trend continues, the party will secure its third consecutive national election victory, following its wins in the 2024 general elections and last year's early presidential election. Political analysts believe that if the Democratic Party secures local power in addition to its majority in the National Assembly and control of the central government, it will achieve an unprecedented level of governance. Since the introduction of simultaneous local elections in 1995, there have been few instances of a party effectively controlling the legislative, central, and local governments. The closest comparison to this outcome is the 2018 local elections, held a year after the inauguration of the Moon Jae-in administration, where the Democratic Party won 14 out of 17 regional governorships. However, at that time, the Democratic Party held only about 120 seats in the National Assembly, failing to secure a majority. The opposition parties, including the Liberty Korea Party (now the People Power Party), the Bareunmirae Party, and the Democratic Peace Party, were able to exert checks on the party's power, unlike the current overwhelming power structure. The Democratic Party gained legislative dominance in the 2020 general elections, but by then, the Moon administration was entering its later stages, limiting its governance capabilities. In the 1998 local elections during the Kim Dae-jung administration, the ruling party won regional governorships, but the Grand National Party held a majority in the National Assembly, creating a divided government. Similarly, in the local elections held shortly after the inauguration of Yoon Suk Yeol's administration in 2022, the People Power Party secured local power, while the Democratic Party remained the majority in the National Assembly. The simultaneous control of legislative, executive, and local powers is a rare occurrence in South Korean political history. The Democratic Party's success is attributed to the timing of the elections, which took place just one year after the establishment of the Lee Jae-myung administration. Analysts suggest that the party's high approval ratings and the ineffectiveness of the opposition's calls for a government accountability narrative contributed to its success, along with the effectiveness of the party's message regarding the need to resolve past conflicts. The Democratic Party has emphasized its role in stabilizing the nation following the national chaos triggered by the December 3 emergency situation under former President Yoon Suk Yeol, highlighting achievements in economic and diplomatic areas. The message that local governments led by Yoon's administration should also be replaced resonated with voters, influencing the election results. Shin Yul, a professor at Myongji University, stated in a conversation with Yonhap News, "The People Power Party's inability to move beyond the issue of 'Yoon Suk Yeol' has led to this concentration of power. The government and ruling party will likely view this local election as a reaffirmation of public trust."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:57:00
  • Voter Turnout Reaches 61.0% in Local Elections, Second Highest Ever
    Voter Turnout Reaches 61.0% in Local Elections, Second Highest Ever The final voter turnout for the 9th nationwide local elections exceeded 60%, marking the second highest turnout in the history of local elections. However, delays in vote counting are expected due to a shortage of ballots in some areas of Seoul. According to the National Election Commission, as of 11 PM, 27,222,909 out of 44,649,908 eligible voters had cast their ballots, resulting in a preliminary turnout of 61.0%. The final tally may be delayed due to ballot shortages in certain regions of Seoul. Regionally, the highest turnout was reported in Jeonnam at 65.7%, followed by Gangwon (64.5%), Gyeongnam (64.4%), and both Ulsan and Daegu at 64.2%. In contrast, Gwangju (54.3%), Jeju (56.4%), Incheon (58.2%), Gyeonggi (58.4%), and Chungnam (58.8%) recorded turnout rates below the national average. This local election drew significant interest from the outset, with early voting on May 29-30 achieving a record turnout of 23.51%, the highest for any local election. This strong early turnout likely influenced the participation in the main voting day. The final turnout is the second highest since the first local elections in 1994, which saw a turnout of 68.4%. Additionally, this marks only the third time in history that turnout has exceeded 60%, following the first and seventh local elections (60.2%). For the first time in local elections, the ballot verification process introduced in the 22nd National Assembly elections was implemented. The election commission will follow a series of procedures, including sorting ballots by election type, using ballot sorting machines, verifying counts, and confirming results before announcing the final tally. A total of 4,227 officials will be elected through this voting, including heads of regional governments, education superintendents, local government heads, and members of regional and local councils. The terms for the elected officials will begin on July 1 and run until June 30, 2030. Additionally, 14 members of the National Assembly will be elected from districts such as Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province and Buk-gap in Busan.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:54:00
  • Former justice minister Choo Mi-ae to become first female provincial governor in South Korea
    Former justice minister Choo Mi-ae to become first female provincial governor in South Korea SEOUL, June 03 (AJP) - The Ruling Democratic Party candidate and former justice minister Choo Mi-ae is certain to win the Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial race, making her the first woman to head a metropolitan or provincial government in South Korean history. According to the National Election Commission on Wednesday, Choo is projected to defeat People Power Party candidate Yang Hyang-ja in the June 3 local elections. The six-term lawmaker maintained a wide lead over Yang throughout the campaign, cementing her victory early on. Her win breaks a long-standing glass ceiling in South Korean politics. Since the country introduced nationwide local elections in 1995, women have consistently run for top regional posts but have never won. The closest attempts occurred in 2022 and 2010. In the 2022 Gyeonggi governor race, conservative candidate Kim Eun-hye lost to Democratic Party candidate Kim Dong-yeon by a margin of 0.15 percentage points after a tight race that stretched into the morning after election day. In 2010, Democratic Party candidate Han Myeong-sook lost the Seoul mayoral election to Oh Se-hoon by 0.2 percentage points. During the 2021 Seoul mayoral by-election, former Minister of SMEs and Startups Park Young-sun, running for the Democratic Party, lost to Oh by 18.3 percentage points, securing 39.2 percent of the vote. Female representation among candidates for top regional posts declined this year. Only five women, or 9.8 percent of 51 candidates, ran for metropolitan mayoral or gubernatorial seats, roughly half of 18.2 percent seen in the 2022 elections. Choo is the only woman to win such a post this year. In 2022, all 10 female candidates running for these positions lost. A former judge from Daegu, Choo entered politics in 1995 after being recruited by former President Kim Dae-jung, who was then leading the National Congress for New Politics. She earned the nickname "Choo d'Arc" -- combining her surname with Joan of Arc -- after leading a campaign group in the conservative stronghold of Daegu that helped secure Kim's 1997 presidential win. Choo was first elected to the National Assembly in 1996 for Seoul's Gwangjin-eul district. She went on to represent the district for five terms in the 15th, 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th parliaments. She was elected party leader at the Democratic Party convention in 2020 and served as justice minister during the Moon Jae-in administration. In the recent 22nd general election, she secured her sixth term after receiving a strategic nomination for Gyeonggi Province's Hanam District. Although considered a strong contender for National Assembly speaker in the first half of the 22nd parliament, she lost the internal party primary to Woo Won-shik. She then took the helm of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee, spearheading efforts to pass prosecution reform bills. Choo is widely regarded as a prominent hardliner within her party, known for her strong drive and clear political stances. Because her term as Gyeonggi governor will end in 2030, a timeline that aligns with the next South Korean presidential election, political watchers view her as a potential presidential contender. 2026-06-03 23:49:32
  • Unprecedented Voting Paper Shortage in Local Elections Sparks Outrage
    Unprecedented Voting Paper Shortage in Local Elections Sparks Outrage An unprecedented shortage of voting papers occurred during the local elections held on June 3. The National Election Commission (NEC) arranged for emergency deliveries of voting papers and allowed voters waiting at polling stations to cast their ballots even after the official closing time. However, some voters at over ten polling places, including those in Seoul, chose to abandon their votes. In response to the growing controversy, Heo Cheol-ho, Secretary General of the NEC, expressed deep regret for undermining public trust and promised to implement measures to prevent a recurrence. According to the NEC, the polling places affected by the shortage included 14 locations in districts such as Songpa-gu's Garak 2-dong, Jamsil 2-dong, Jamsil 4-dong, Jamsil 7-dong, Munjeong 2-dong, Gangnam-gu's Cheongdam-dong, and Gwangjin-gu's Guui 3-dong. However, the People Power Party reported that 17 polling places, including those outside Seoul, experienced a lack of voting papers. Notably, at the second polling place in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, voting hours were extended until 10 p.m., leading some voters to abandon their ballots or wait to confirm the counting process before voting. Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, visited the NEC to demand a halt to the vote counting. The party maintains that a re-election should be conducted if necessary. Oh Se-hoon, the candidate for Seoul mayor, stated, "Vote counting should be suspended until measures are in place for areas where voting could not occur," emphasizing that no one should have their voting rights infringed upon. In contrast, Jo Seung-rae, Secretary General of the Democratic Party, expressed strong regret over the NEC's mismanagement but dismissed the People Power Party's calls for a vote counting halt and re-election as unwarranted. Interestingly, most of the areas affected by the voting paper shortage are known to have strong conservative support, suggesting that the repercussions of this incident may continue for some time after the election concludes.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:39:00
  • What to Expect in the Month Following the June 3 Local Elections
    What to Expect in the Month Following the June 3 Local Elections The 9th nationwide local elections have concluded, marking a new phase for local governments. However, the elected officials will not immediately assume their roles as mayors, governors, or heads of local districts. The official terms for the newly elected officials will begin on July 1 and last until June 30, 2030. The terms for local council members, local government heads, and education superintendents are all set for four years and are elected through direct, secret ballots by residents. Following the elections, the 'elected official system' will take effect. Elected local government heads can establish a transition committee as soon as their election is confirmed. This committee will assess the organization, functions, and budget of the local government and prepare the new leader's policy direction. The size of the transition committee is also legally defined. For cities and provinces, it can include up to 20 members, including a chair and vice-chair, while for cities, counties, and districts, it can have up to 15 members. The committee will exist from the time the official is elected until 20 days after the start of the local government head's term. Thus, the month of June serves as a preparation period before the new local government officially launches. During this time, the elected officials will review key administrative issues, budget structures, operational conditions, and the feasibility of the pledges made during the election. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety has also distributed a manual for the operation of transition committees to local governments to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities for the 9th elected local governments. Meanwhile, current officials will continue to bear administrative responsibilities until the end of their terms. The confirmation of the elected officials does not grant them immediate authority over approvals or personnel decisions. The new leaders will fully assume their powers starting July 1. From the residents' perspective, the day after the election does not mean an immediate change in policy; rather, it marks the beginning of a period to gauge the direction of the new local government. It will become evident during this time how the slogans from the election translate into actual organizational changes, budget allocations, and implementation plans for the pledges made.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:36:00
  • Choo Mi-ae Poised to Win Gyeonggi Province Governorship, First Female Regional Leader
    Choo Mi-ae Poised to Win Gyeonggi Province Governorship, First Female Regional Leader Choo Mi-ae, the Democratic Party candidate for governor of Gyeonggi Province, is likely to win the election, which would make her the first female leader of a metropolitan government in South Korea. According to the National Election Commission, as of 11:16 p.m. on June 3, with 26.51% of the votes counted, Choo led with 969,869 votes, or 53.51%. Her opponent, Yang Hyang-ja of the People Power Party, received 740,560 votes, or 40.90%. Exit polls conducted by major broadcasters KBS, MBC, and SBS indicated that Choo had a support rate of 60.4%. She maintained a lead over her opponent from the start of the vote counting. Yang conceded defeat around 11 p.m., stating, "I humbly accept the will of the Gyeonggi residents expressed through today’s vote. Public sentiment is always right." She also extended her congratulations to Choo. 2026-06-03 23:24:00
  • Seoul Faces Unprecedented Ballot Shortage During Local Elections
    Seoul Faces Unprecedented Ballot Shortage During Local Elections On June 3, an unprecedented ballot shortage occurred at several polling stations in Seoul during the local elections, sparking controversy. The National Election Commission (NEC) issued a public apology, while the People Power Party (PPP) demanded a halt to vote counting and called for the elections to be postponed. Heo Cheol-hoon, the NEC Secretary-General, held an emergency briefing and stated, "We deeply apologize for undermining public trust in fair election management. We will identify the causes and issues immediately after the vote counting ends and implement measures to prevent recurrence." According to the NEC, as of 6:20 PM, 14 polling stations in Seoul experienced ballot shortages, leading to delays and interruptions in voting. The affected areas included Garak 2-dong, Jamsil 2-dong, Jamsil 4-dong, Jamsil 7-dong, Munjeong 2-dong in Songpa-gu, Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam-gu, and Guui 3-dong in Gwangjin-gu. The PPP criticized the situation and demanded a halt to vote counting and a re-election. Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's representative, held a briefing at the party's headquarters in Yeouido and declared, "This election in Seoul is tainted. A contaminated election is invalid. We must immediately stop the counting until a thorough investigation is conducted." He also warned of potential legal action against the NEC, stating, "We waited for the NEC's announcement scheduled for 9 PM, but there was no satisfactory explanation. The NEC must provide a clear explanation that the public can accept and take legal responsibility for this situation." When asked if the party would file for an injunction to halt the counting if the NEC proceeded, he replied, "If we file now and the NEC continues counting, there may be no benefit to the request. Therefore, the NEC should voluntarily stop the counting first." Song Eon-seok, the party's floor leader, also called for a delay in the elections. He stated at a press conference, "We formally request a postponement of the elections under Article 196 of the Public Election Act, emphasizing that the elections in Seoul cannot proceed as planned." He expressed concerns about the management of ballots during the urgent transfer from other locations, stating, "There are significant doubts about whether proper ballot management was conducted during the hurried transfer. With voting continuing after 6 PM, the possibility that exit poll results could influence the voting cannot be ruled out." He hinted at the possibility of a re-election, referencing a case from last year in which Germany's Federal Constitutional Court declared a local election in Berlin invalid due to systemic mismanagement by election authorities, ordering a re-vote. The party leadership is also taking a proactive stance. Shin Dong-wook, head of the Fair Election and Secure Voting Committee, visited the NEC office in Gwacheon to express their serious concerns. Jeong Hee-yong, the party's Secretary-General, stated, "We cannot overlook this situation," criticizing the earlier controversy over ballot transparency and the current shortage. Bae Hyun-jin, chair of the Seoul party chapter, held a press conference at the National Assembly, asserting, "This is not just a simple mistake; it demonstrates a complete breakdown of the basic election management system and undermines the foundations of democracy." Meanwhile, in areas like Songpa-gu, voters faced delays or interruptions in voting due to the ballot shortage. Lee Sang-neung, head of the NEC's Election Division, noted at a press conference that Songpa-gu had printed ballots for only 50% of its total voter population, explaining, "Given that there are 146 polling stations in Songpa-gu, some stations may have more voters than expected, leading to the ballot shortage." As a result, voting at the second polling station in Jamsil 7-dong was extended until 10 PM. 2026-06-03 23:12:00
  • Chaos Erupts at Jamsil 7-dong Polling Station Over Ballot Box Removal
    Chaos Erupts at Jamsil 7-dong Polling Station Over Ballot Box Removal On June 3, the main voting day for the 9th nationwide local elections, several polling stations in Seoul faced a shortage of ballots. At the Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station in Songpa District, a crowd gathered to protest the removal of ballot boxes after voting ended, leading to a chaotic situation. According to the National Election Commission, ballot shortages were reported at a total of 14 polling stations across Seoul, including 12 in Songpa District, one in Gangnam District, and one in Gwangjin District. The commission arranged for additional ballots to be sent to the affected stations and extended voting hours for waiting voters, even after the official closing time. The Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station was one of the most affected, extending its voting hours from the original 6 PM to 10 PM for those holding waiting tickets due to the ballot shortage. Earlier, the ruling People Power Party expressed outrage, stating, "While voters are waiting due to the shortage, the Election Commission is attempting to retrieve the ballot boxes from this location." Party officials visited the site to protest, and the polling station decided to extend voting hours for those who had queued before 6 PM but were unable to vote due to the lack of ballots. As voting continued late into the evening, confusion escalated. Some election workers reportedly requested announcements in nearby apartment complexes to remind voters holding waiting tickets to return to the polling station. Some citizens protested that the votes cast at this polling station should be invalidated, while others insisted, "The removal of the ballot boxes must be stopped." After voting concluded, tensions flared during the process of transporting the ballot boxes. Around 10:34 PM, a crowd gathered to prevent the removal of the ballot boxes from the Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station. In response, the Election Commission requested police assistance. The People Power Party has labeled the situation a threat to election integrity and is vocally opposing it. Jang Dong-hyuk, the party's chief election strategy committee member, stated, "This election in Seoul has been tainted," calling for an immediate halt to the counting of votes until the situation is clarified. The party is raising concerns about the ballot shortages, the process of additional ballot deliveries, and the continuation of voting after the deadline, suggesting the need for a recount or a new election. Conversely, the Democratic Party acknowledges the Election Commission's mismanagement but rejects the People Power Party's calls for halting the counting and conducting a re-vote. Jo Seung-rae, the Democratic Party's head of the election strategy committee, criticized the Election Commission for the ballot shortage but stated, "The People Power Party's demands for stopping the counting and re-voting are not worth considering." This incident highlights significant failures in the fundamental preparation of ballots by the Election Commission, making it difficult for them to evade responsibility. However, as calls to prevent the removal of ballot boxes and demands for a halt to the counting arise, the controversy has escalated beyond local confusion to questions about the reliability of the election results. How transparently the Election Commission discloses the scale of the ballot shortages, the process of additional deliveries, and the procedures for issuing waiting tickets and conducting voting after the deadline will likely be key issues in the ongoing debate.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-06-03 23:03:00