Lee acknowledges voting rights violations, rejects election fraud claims

ROME — President Lee Jae Myung on Sunday admitted that voters’ rights were infringed due to ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections, yet he dismissed election fraud claims and called for stern punishment for those who spread such claims.

“We fully admit and accept the legitimate concerns raised by Koreans over the infringement of their voting rights,” Lee said during a virtual meeting with senior presidential secretaries.

“What was triggered by the National Election Commission's [NEC] inexcusable mismanagement of voting operations has tarnished Korea’s reputation as a nation that takes pride in its so-called K-democracy, K-culture and its technological prowess.”

Yet Lee stressed a zero-tolerance approach toward those spreading “baseless election fraud claims,” which he likened to an “anti-social behavior that distorts the essence of the problem and insults the valuable voices of Koreans.”

The president added that those who exploit conspiracy theories should be held accountable under the law.

“Some of those claiming election fraud appear to have interfered with police officers at the scene, threatened people nearby and even taken it upon themselves to conduct unauthorized inspections or block access to polling locations."

Lee added that society needs to accommodate “healthy criticism and constructive alternatives” to turn the situation in which voting rights were infringed into an opportunity to strengthen democracy and reinforce public sovereignty.

“We must also move swiftly to carry out a thorough and transparent fact-finding process,” the president said. “A special National Assembly committee could be convened as early as this week, and I expect the NEC to fully cooperate."

He also called for a sweeping yet impartial investigation by the joint task force of prosecutors and police.

“This is the moment for all of society to respond with responsible action to the righteous anger of youth populations and Koreans,” he said.

The virtual meeting came after Lee — on an official visit to Vatican City — attended a special Mass for peace and solidarity at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls earlier in the day.

Senior presidential aides remained at the Blue House in Jongno District, central Seoul, until 9 p.m. on Sunday to participate in the meeting remotely. It marked the first time a Korean president has presided over a virtual secretarial meeting during an overseas trip.

“No matter where they are, all public servants must remain fully committed to serving the people,” Lee said during his opening remarks.

Lee also called for faster action on youth-related socioeconomic issues.

“The triple burden facing young people — employment challenges, asset inequality and income polarization — has become extremely serious,” the president said. “We must devote all our efforts to alleviating these problems, even if only to a small degree.”

Lee also called for faster progress on plans to establish a dedicated agency for youth policy. “Youth policy should be given top priority in next year's budget planning and in medium- to long-term state fiscal programs,” he said.

Lee also urged officials to strengthen preparations for summer disasters and extreme weather.

“Even though the peak summer heat wave and monsoon season have not yet fully arrived, now is the right time to conduct another thorough review of all heat-related measures,” the president said. “We need to inspect safety measures at high-risk facilities and ensure that preparations are in place to protect the public during the summer months.”

He also called for preparations to address childcare gaps during the school vacation period. “Summer break begins in about a month, and we should start now to minimize gaps in care for children,” Lee said.

BY OH HYUN-SEOK [lee.soojung1@joongang.co.kr]