Ballot Paper Shortages Spark Parliamentary Investigation in South Korea

South Korean lawmakers began a 45‑day inquiry into the National Election Commission after voters faced paper shortages during local polls on June 3. The probe was approved in a full‑assembly vote and will look at both the central commission and regional bodies. The issue sparked street protests, led to the resignation of the NEC chief, and prompted President Lee Jae‑Myung to call for a deeper look into election management. The committee will include members from the ruling Democratic Party, the main opposition People Power Party (PPP), and smaller parties. PPP representative Yoon Sang‑hyun will chair the group.Assembly speaker Cho Jeong‑sik said the investigation is only a starting point and that its findings should lead to reforms that restore public trust. NEC acting secretary‑general Kang Dong‑wan met with student protestors and admitted the commission had been poorly prepared. He pledged cooperation with the parliamentary inquiry, a joint police‑prosecution review, and an internal audit. Officials reported that 91 polling stations ran out of ballots nationwide; voting was paused at 26 sites. In Seoul’s Songpa district, one station halted work at 4:46 p. m. , resumed at 5:39 p. m. , and finally closed at 10 p. m. to let about 175 people with waiting tickets vote, but 12 ticket holders did not return.