South Korea Election Office Raided Amid Probe into Fake Turnout Figures

South Korean investigators have raided the National Election Commission (NEC) amid allegations that officials manipulated voter turnout figures during the June local elections. A police and prosecutors' special team conducted searches and seizures at NEC offices on July 23, seeking evidence of falsified data.

The investigation stems from indications that officials from the NEC and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission may have entered incorrect voter turnout figures. The spokesperson for the investigators confirmed that they are examining evidence suggesting these irregularities occurred during the nationwide vote, which was the first election since President Lee Jae Myung took office in 2025.

This controversy has already had significant repercussions. The chief of the National Election Commission, Roh Tae-ak, resigned in the wake of the allegations. Furthermore, the situation has fueled public demonstrations, with citizens demanding a rerun of the elections due to concerns about the integrity of the vote count.

Reports indicate that dozens of polling stations experienced unprecedented shortages of ballot papers during the June 3 election, adding to the concerns surrounding the electoral process. The current investigation aims to uncover the extent of any official misconduct and ensure accountability.

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We have found indications that officials from the National Election Commission and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission entered false voter turnout figures during the local elections, and are also conducting searches and seizures of those involved.