President Lee Demands Big Changes to Korea’s Election System

South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung has called for a sweeping reform of the country’s election framework after a series of problems hit the local polls on June 3. The most visible issue was a shortage of ballot papers, which sparked public outrage and led to protests that questioned the fairness of the vote. In response, Lee ordered a thorough investigation involving prosecutors and police to uncover what went wrong. During a press briefing, Lee emphasized the need for an urgent fact‑finding mission and a complete legal overhaul of the election system. He suggested that, if both ruling and opposition parties agree, even a single‑point constitutional amendment could be considered to strengthen oversight of the National Election Commission (NEC). The NEC, which is constitutionally independent, had been described by Lee as operating with “freedom close to indulgence” and lacking proper checks.The president also stressed that the NEC must shoulder responsibility commensurate with its neutral role. He warned against violence during post‑election protests, insisting that peaceful demonstrations should be protected while any unlawful acts would face strict consequences. The controversies have already led to the resignation of the NEC chief, highlighting how governance issues can erode public trust. Lee’s push for reform aims to restore confidence in the electoral process and ensure that future elections are conducted transparently and fairly.