Cheong Wa Dae on the 5th said it "takes seriously" the resignations of Roh Tae-ak, chair of the National Election Commission, and Secretary-General Hur Chul-hoon, who stepped down taking responsibility for the "June 3 local election ballot shortage incident" that occurred in parts of Seoul. However, it did not mention punishment of responsible officials within the executive branch. Because the election commission is an independent constitutional body and the government cannot impose direct sanctions, Cheong Wa Dae's position is that the commission should craft measures through its own investigation.
Cheong Wa Dae said that day, "The election commission must provide a sufficient explanation that the public can accept for the major concern caused to the people during the election process and take stern follow-up measures," adding, "It should also responsibly conduct an inspection of overall election management and improve the system to restore public trust."
Earlier, at about 10:20 p.m. on the 3rd, Cheong Wa Dae issued a brief statement on the incident saying, "The election commission is an independent constitutional body," and "It is an issue the commission must address." President Lee Jae-myung, who usually posted on X (formerly Twitter) on matters ranging from detailed domestic issues to criticisms of foreign counterparts, did not post related comments that day.
Then, at about 11:45 p.m., a notice in the name of Chief Spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said, "As a constitutional body that guarantees the people's suffrage, the National Election Commission should take responsible measures to ensure there are no disruptions to the exercise of voting rights by residents in certain areas and to ballot counting management."
At a senior secretaries' meeting on the 4th, the day after the election, the president said, "I express deep regret that in election management—which must be carried out with utmost rigor in a democratic republic—glaring gaps occurred that are hard to accept," adding, "Relevant agencies must use all the authority and responsibility the executive branch holds to clearly identify why the problem occurred, and, if there is responsibility to be borne, hold those responsible to account clearly."
He also said, "Promptly prepare reliable and appropriate measures so that there is never again even the slightest infringement of the people's suffrage." However, regarding this directive from the president, Cheong Wa Dae said, "This does not mean direct sanctions by the executive branch against the election commission," adding, "The commission should take this matter seriously and undertake a thorough self-inspection and follow-up actions."