The special investigation team of the Election Commission, led by Lee Tae-han, is conducting a verification of approximately 2.47 million ballots from the June 3 local elections at the Olympic Park handball stadium in Songpa District. The verification process, which includes checking the quantity and printing condition of the ballots using equipment from the National Forensic Service, is expected to extend into the early hours of the following day due to delays caused by disputes over filming permissions.
On October 28, the investigation team began the verification process to confirm any discrepancies in ballot quantities and potential forgeries. About 110 personnel from the special investigation team participated, assisted by approximately 500 Election Commission staff. Police and forensic experts also provided support with personnel and equipment.
At around 5:18 PM, Deputy Special Prosecutor Kim Jin-woo spoke with reporters on-site, stating, "We are currently conducting inspections using National Forensic Service equipment," and noted that infrared spectrometry was being utilized. He refrained from disclosing whether any ballots had been transferred for further inspection, stating, "It is difficult to comment on that at this time."
The verification was initially scheduled to start at 9 AM but was delayed due to confusion during the entry process and requests from observers for filming. Procedures began at 11:49 AM with checks of the storage location, and the actual opening of the ballots commenced around 2 PM.
The investigation team first sorted the boxes transferred from the storage location by election type, including those for the Seoul Mayor, Songpa District Mayor, district and proportional representatives, and confirmed their sealing status. Some observers raised concerns about the condition of the boxes and the sealing tape. Verification staff recorded these objections and obtained signatures.
The boxes were then distributed to 40 counting tables. Staff examined each ballot and confirmed the quantity using four counting machines at each table. Observers were allowed to raise objections but were prohibited from handling the ballots or using personal analysis tools.
Ballots suspected of irregularities were collected separately after being recorded, signed, and photographed for additional verification by the forensic team. At 2:55 PM, the investigation team announced that observers should not bring ballots individually but instead collect them in baskets to be handed over after confirming one box.
In the afternoon, boxes for the Seoul Mayor and Songpa District Mayor ballots were distributed to the counting tables, and by 4:31 PM, the distribution of district councilor boxes was completed. The distribution of proportional representative ballots began at 5:23 PM, indicating that the verification of those ballots had not yet concluded.
During the counting process, announcements were made repeatedly to call for equipment personnel. At 4:17 PM, one counting machine in the 15th counting area was replaced, but the reason for the replacement and its impact on the counting results were not confirmed.
Disputes over filming and observer access continued even after the work began. Kim Min-soo, a senior member of the People Power Party, requested that individual filming be allowed, stating, "Even if it takes an hour longer, please coordinate it." The special investigation team explained that allowing individual filming could disrupt the process and security, stating that any ballots in question would be photographed separately for evidence.
After negotiations, the team permitted two cameras from broadcasting companies to record and allowed designated personnel from both parties to film. However, the principle of prohibiting live broadcasts and unrestricted filming by individual observers was maintained. The special investigation team agreed to provide equipment to designated personnel and retrieve it after the procedures concluded.
However, requests for filming and objections persisted throughout the afternoon. The team reiterated, "You must not touch the ballots," and "You cannot move to other areas." Outside the venue, participants in a gathering who could not directly observe the proceedings demanded a live broadcast.
Verified ballots were stored near the E1 entrance of the stadium. Ballots deemed free of issues will be organized by election type and quantity, resealed, and transferred to a separate secure storage designated by the Election Commission. Ballots selected for detailed examination will be categorized for use in the investigation.
In addition to ballot verification, the investigation will also examine potential external breaches at the storage location and the possibility of hacking or errors in the voting and counting equipment. The special investigation team plans to analyze CCTV footage obtained during a search the previous day and additional videos submitted, as well as collect relevant equipment for examination.
The special investigation team emphasized that this procedure is part of an investigative activity and does not constitute a recount under the Public Election Act that would alter the determination of winners or vote counts. As of 5:27 PM, no official results regarding ballot forgery or discrepancies in quantity had been announced.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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