Police have initiated their first forced investigation into the National Election Commission and local election offices regarding the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. The search warrant reportedly names over ten suspects, including Noh Tae-ak, the former chairman of the Election Commission, and Heo Cheol-hoon, the former secretary general.
Starting at 9 a.m. on June 11, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's special investigation team conducted searches at seven locations, including the National Election Commission in Gwacheon, the Seoul Election Commission, and election offices in Songpa, Seocho, Gangnam, Gwangjin, and Dongjak districts, on charges of violating the Public Official Election Act and dereliction of duty.
This search is aimed at identifying the causes and accountability for the ballot shortage that occurred during the main voting process on June 3, marking the first forced investigation eight days after the incident.
Approximately 100 personnel, including investigators from the special investigation team, members of the National Investigation Agency, and digital forensics experts from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, were deployed. About ten members of the joint investigation team, including three prosecutors, also participated in the searches at the National Election Commission and the Seoul Election Commission.
The search warrant reportedly names Noh and Heo, along with the chairpersons of various local election commissions, as suspects.
Following the elections, both Noh and Heo expressed their intention to resign, taking responsibility for the incident. Subsequently, Chief Justice Cho Hee-dae removed Noh from his position, and Heo's dismissal was also processed.
The police plan to clarify the circumstances surrounding the ballot shortage, including the internal reporting and decision-making processes within the Election Commission, as well as the overall response measures. They are also expected to conduct digital forensic work on the materials obtained.
A police official stated, "We are focused on securing evidence to uncover the underlying causes of the violation of citizens' voting rights and to reveal the substantive truth of the case," adding, "We will proceed with the investigation swiftly in accordance with legal procedures."
On June 3, the day of the local elections, an unprecedented situation arose when voting was halted due to a shortage of ballots at 12 polling places in the Jamsil area of Songpa District, as well as one polling place each in Gangnam and Gwangjin districts.
Since the case was assigned, the special investigation team has been interviewing complainants, citizens who were unable to vote, public officials involved in election affairs, and representatives from printing companies.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office announced on June 9 that it would establish a joint investigation team at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office. The team will be led by Kim Tae-hoon, the deputy chief prosecutor, and will consist of 12 prosecutors and 15 police officers, totaling 27 members.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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