South Korean students to protest ballot paper shortage in local elections

University students across South Korea are set to stage protests on Wednesday, June 10, as anger escalates over significant ballot paper shortages during recent local elections. The incident has raised concerns about electoral integrity in a nation where unfounded claims of vote tampering have gained traction.

Official data revealed that approximately 7,000 ballot papers were insufficient across dozens of polling stations nationwide on election day, June 3. While supplies were eventually replenished, the mishap has fueled public fury. This election was the first nationwide vote since President Lee Jae Myung took office, following the ouster of conservative Yoon Suk Yeol. Lee's liberal Democratic Party secured victories in most races, though they failed to win the crucial Seoul mayoral seat.

The head of the national election watchdog has resigned in response to the ballot paper controversy. However, authorities have not yet offered to hold a new vote, a decision that has sparked large protests over the weekend and is now prompting further demonstrations by students. Student unions from 18 universities have announced plans for new protests starting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Hwang In-seo of Yonsei University's student council stated, "We are determined to protest because people are universally outraged regardless of political affiliation." Analysts point to long-standing issues within the National Election Commission, a constitutional body, citing gaps in internal discipline and review mechanisms. Meanwhile, a Seoul court has ordered evidence from an affected polling station to be preserved for investigation, and local media reported that prosecutors and police are forming a joint investigation team to examine ballot boxes and CCTV footage.

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We are determined to protest because people are universally outraged regardless of political affiliation.