On the 4th, Korean history instructor Jeon Han-gil, former Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn, and some conservative figures gathered in front of the Election Commission overnight, chanting “Invalidate the election.” They argued that the nationwide election must be held again, citing the ballot shortage as grounds. Police estimated that up to 1,200 people gathered. The ballot shortage, intertwined with the claims of those alleging election fraud, provided a platform for them. Banners reading “Election Fraud, Legislative Dictatorship” fluttered in the wind, and far-right citizens waving the American and South Korean flags gathered.
It is difficult to accept their claims at face value. Based solely on the facts confirmed so far, there is no basis to conclude that this election was “fraudulent.” In fact, legal experts also believe that while there may be potential legal violations in election administration, the likelihood of this leading to the election being invalidated is low.
The crucial issue lies elsewhere. It is not the “election fraud theory” itself, but rather why so many people have come to distrust the National Election Commission.
In this local election, an unprecedented situation occurred in some polling stations in Songpa, Gangnam, and Gwangjin districts in Seoul, where voting was suspended due to a shortage of ballots. It is reported that some polling stations in Songpa District had prepared ballots for only about half of the eligible voters. Some citizens had to return home without being able to vote, even after waiting in long lines.
The fact that such an incident occurred even in voting—the most fundamental procedure of democracy—is shocking in itself.
In fact, distrust toward the National Election Commission did not arise overnight.
From repeated allegations of election fraud following the 2020 general election, to controversies over poor management of early voting in the 2022 presidential election, allegations of hiring irregularities, issues of preferential hiring for family members, and now this ballot shortage— The National Election Commission has repeatedly explained that “there are no issues with the election results,” but it has failed to dispel the distrust felt by the public.
From the Commission’s perspective, this may seem unfair, as there is no evidence that a poorly managed election constitutes an “illegitimate” one. However, what the public wants is not vague explanations, but fairness and reliability that allow them to verify whether their precious vote was properly cast.
It is the National Election Commission’s role to instill that confidence. But the Election Commission has failed in this role. Instead, its poor management of the election has further fueled political polarization.
When the Election Commission sparks controversy through lax management, conspiracy theories about election fraud spread on one side, while the other side scoffs at them. Ultimately, only distrust and hatred surrounding the election results remain.
Democracy begins with accepting election results. The prerequisite for acceptance is trust in the election management body. An election that has lost public trust will be met with suspicion, no matter how fair the results may be.
When Berlin, Germany, faced issues with ballot shortages and poor management during its 2021 local elections, it ultimately held a re-vote. While our systems differ, they at least clearly held those responsible for the election management failures accountable.
In contrast, Korea’s National Election Commission has consistently evaded responsibility by responding with “there are no legal issues” whenever controversy arises. Political circles are taking issue with this attitude. The previous night, Jang Dong-hyuk, leader of the People Power Party, paid a late-night protest visit to the National Election Commission. He strongly criticized the situation, stating, “It is impossible to gauge the full impact of this [shortage of ballots], and since the election itself has already been seriously compromised, a re-election must be held.” He added, “Given the severity of this issue, all members of the Election Commission should resign, or this constitutes grounds for impeachment.” Although he urged an immediate halt to the vote counting, the Commission continued the process, stating that it did not constitute grounds for a re-election. After meeting with Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak with a visibly agitated expression and returning without any significant results, Chairman Jang announced, “We are preparing a lawsuit to invalidate the election.”
The public is not asking about legal provisions. They are asking why this keeps happening. The National Election Commission has ultimately sparked public distrust through its own accumulated incompetence and complacency. It has become a source of public discontent.
It is not only unverified conspiracy theories that threaten democracy. Repeated mismanagement and irresponsible responses also erode democracy.
If the National Election Commission does not change, the term “election fraud” will resurface in the next election as well. And a significant portion of the blame may lie not with conspiracy theorists, but with the National Election Commission itself, which has lost the public’s trust.
