President Lee Jae-myung said with regard to the "ballot shortage" that occurred at 50 polling stations nationwide, including in Seoul, during the June 3 local elections that, "Given the gravity of the matter, the administration will pursue every possible measure," adding that he "ordered the formation of a joint investigation headquarters with prosecutors and police to clarify responsibility and thoroughly uncover the full picture of the incident." It was four days after the incident that Lee mentioned specific government-level measures.
On the 7th, Lee said on X, "The accident itself is hard to accept, and the National Election Commission's response and its explanation to the public since then have also been insufficient." Lee added, "The people's suffrage is a constitutional right that must not be restricted or infringed upon for any reason, and this incident is a grave matter that damaged the foundation of popular sovereignty," and said, "As one of the people and as the president responsible for the government, I express deep regret."
Lee went on to say, "I ask the National Assembly to swiftly conduct a parliamentary inquiry to clearly determine the truth of this matter and to prepare measures to prevent a recurrence," and added, "Also discuss fundamental institutional reform plans for the National Election Commission." Lee continued, "An independent agency that has lost the people's trust has no reason to exist," and said, "Show a strong will for sweeping renewal and reform at a level the public can trust, along with a fundamental review of overall organizational operations and election management."
The paper shortage occurred at a total of 50 polling stations on the 3rd, when the 9th nationwide local elections and National Assembly by-elections were held: 33 in Seoul, 3 in Busan, 4 in Daegu, 6 in Incheon, 2 in Ulsan, and 2 in South Gyeongsang. Some voters gave up and left without voting. Hur Chul-hoon, secretary general of the National Election Commission, issued a public apology that night acknowledging poor management, saying, "We printed only 50% of the total number of voters' ballots, and due to higher-than-expected turnout, some polling stations ran out of paper."
Cheong Wa Dae issued only a brief statement around 10:20 p.m. on election day, saying, "This is an issue for the National Election Commission to address." The intent was that, because the commission is an independent constitutional body, it was not a matter for the executive branch to intervene in. Around 11:45 p.m., however, a media notice was released in the name of chief spokesperson Kang Yu-jung that said, "We hope the National Election Commission will take responsible measures so that there are no disruptions to the exercise of voting rights by residents in some areas and to ballot counting. Cheong Wa Dae is strictly monitoring the situation." As demands for a halt to the count and for a by-election grew stronger, the level of response was raised a notch.
On the 4th, the following day, Lee said at a meeting of senior secretaries, "I express very deep regret," and added, "Relevant agencies must use all the authority and responsibility the executive branch has to clearly reveal why the problem occurred, and, if there is responsibility to be borne, hold those responsible to account." However, Cheong Wa Dae said at the time that Lee's instruction "does not mean direct sanctions by the executive branch."