Special prosecutor opens probe into 12 allegations involving South Korea’s election commission

A special prosecutor’s office investigating allegations involving South Korea’s National Election Commission formally began work on July 7, promising a fast and thorough inquiry into issues tied to voters’ constitutional right to participate in elections.

Special Prosecutor Lee Tae-han and his team held an inauguration ceremony at their office in Seoul. The team said it would work to protect voting rights and restore confidence in the fairness of elections. It also pledged to respect due process and human rights and not be swayed by unverified allegations or political controversy.

The investigation covers 12 matters, including an alleged infringement of voting rights caused by a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections. It will also examine allegations of lavish overseas trips, improper hiring and broader institutional mismanagement and misconduct. The team has a 90-day mandate, with the possibility of two 30-day extensions.

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This special prosecutor’s investigation carries a grave responsibility. We will move quickly and investigate thoroughly to protect the people’s constitutional right to participate in elections and restore the fairness and credibility of elections.

On July 2, the special prosecutor’s office received original investigation records and evidence from a joint prosecution-police headquarters that had been examining the voting-rights allegations. Lee said those materials would serve only as basic reference material. His team would conduct a fresh, independent analysis rather than treating the joint headquarters’ findings as established facts.

The team has requested preservation of the counting site at Olympic Park, which Lee called a clear starting point for the appointment of the special prosecutor. Investigators expect to examine voter lists and other election-related documents kept at the site. The inquiry is expected to focus on whether senior election officials and staff deliberately neglected their duties, building on indications of administrative failures and misconduct identified by the joint investigation.

The office currently has 15 prosecutors assigned and is discussing the deployment of five more with the Justice Ministry. Its potential staffing includes five assistant special prosecutors, 20 seconded prosecutors, 70 special investigators and 70 government officials, for a maximum of 165 people. Lee said the team plans to request additional investigators after the Serious Crime Investigation Agency opens in October.

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The investigative and evidentiary materials received from the joint headquarters are only basic materials.