Minister Jung Sung-ho of the Ministry of Justice urged the National Election Commission to issue a responsible apology and conduct a transparent fact-finding investigation over the ballot paper shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections. At the same time, he said authorities would respond firmly to election fraud conspiracy theories arising from this incident and to illegal acts by extremist groups.
The Minister wrote on his social media on the 6th, "The ballot paper shortage by the election commission during the June 3 local elections is a grave problem that seriously infringed on suffrage, the foundation of democracy and the people's inviolable right."
He said, "Depending on the facts revealed going forward, thorough institutional reforms must follow, as well as holding the relevant responsible officials to heavy account," adding, "I expect that strong and effective measures that the public can accept, including a special counsel or a parliamentary investigation, will be taken swiftly."
On the election fraud conspiracy theories, he criticized, "Some extremist groups are slyly mixing their delusions and conspiracy theories—already proven false multiple times—with the reasonable and legitimate demands of the many citizens seeking to restore their suffrage."
The Minister said, "This is an act that obscures the essence of this incident," adding, "No attempt to convert the just anger of citizens whose suffrage was violated into their own delusions and hate will be tolerated."
He continued, "We will also respond firmly to attempts to turn pure, nonviolent, peaceful protests—which deserve respect—into violent demonstrations."