Protests erupt over ballot shortage, "election fraud" claims at South Korean NEC

Protests flared at the National Election Commission (NEC) in Gwacheon and a polling station in Seoul's Jamsil district on June 4, following a severe shortage of ballots that led to the suspension of voting in several locations during the June 3 local elections. The NEC had to extend voting hours until midnight in some areas.

Jeon Han-gil, a popular Korean language instructor and YouTuber known for his involvement in election integrity claims, addressed a crowd of hundreds outside the NEC. He declared June 3, 2026, would be remembered as "a second April 19 Revolution and a day when all citizens united to realize a second democracy to protect the sovereignty of free Korea." Protesters chanted slogans like "Void from the source" and "Fraudulent election."

Similarly, hundreds gathered at the Jamsil 7-dong polling station, where the ballot shortage occurred. They held a rally until the early morning, demanding "Stop the vote count" and "Cancel the election." To prevent the removal of ballot boxes, protesters surrounded the polling station, prompting the NEC to request police assistance. Dozens of riot police were dispatched to the scene.

The NEC had previously apologized for the ballot shortage, which affected 14 polling stations across Seoul, including 12 in Songpa-gu and one each in Gangnam-gu and Gwangjin-gu. Many citizens faced long waits or were turned away due to the lack of ballots. The NEC planned an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and future measures.

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June 3, 2026, will be recorded as a second April 19 Revolution and a day when all citizens united to realize a second democracy to protect the sovereignty of free Korea.