Lee Jun-seok Calls for Special Investigation Amid Ballot Shortage Crisis

Lee Jun-seok, leader of the Reform Party, stated that a special investigation is "inevitable" in light of the ballot shortage that occurred during the June 3 local elections, arguing that the opposition should be given the authority to recommend investigators.

During a Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on June 8, Lee warned, "If this situation is not addressed promptly, South Korea will once again be dragged into a quagmire of division."

He acknowledged President Lee Jae-myung's swift directive to establish a joint investigation unit but criticized the trustworthiness of government-led investigations, noting that the investigation agency had previously cleared lawmaker Jeon Jae-soo of wrongdoing. "Who will trust this?" he asked.

Lee emphasized the need for a swift national investigation to uphold the public's right to know, stating, "While it is crucial to uncover the facts, it is equally important to consider 'who' is revealing them. The broadest spectrum of the public must be convinced."

He insisted that the authority to recommend a special prosecutor should be granted to the opposition, suggesting that legal professionals who have raised concerns about early voting should also be allowed to participate in the investigation to expose the limitations of their unfounded claims.

"The most challenging task is not revealing the truth, but ensuring that everyone humbly accepts it," he added. "The Reform Party will maintain its focus on transforming justified anger into institutional reform while firmly rejecting conspiracy theories."