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The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) filed a police complaint against President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday, alleging that he violated the election law by exposing his ballot paper during early voting for the upcoming local elections. The complaint, filed by PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok against Lee and officials at the National Election Commission (NEC), claims the president breached the Public Official Election Act.

The incident occurred on Friday when Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung visited a neighborhood community center near Cheong Wa Dae to cast their ballots in early voting for the June 3 local elections. After entering a voting booth, Lee briefly stepped out and asked an election official whether his ballot would still be valid, as the stamp appeared only partially on the ballot paper.

The PPP claimed that Lee's action violated the principle of ballot secrecy.

Coverage Comparison

The main opposition party's complaint follows a separate development on May 17, when police protection for party leaders was activated earlier than originally planned. The Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station said it launched an investigation into online assassination threats against Democratic Party (DP) leader Rep. Jung Chung-rae, reported in social media group chatrooms. Police began providing protection for both Jung and PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok starting that Sunday afternoon.

The National Police Agency said in a notice to reporters, "We have activated dedicated teams early for the leaders of the Democratic Party and the People Power Party after consultations with the parties." The teams were originally set to be launched on May 21, when the official campaign period begins.

Key Claims

  • The PPP filed a police complaint against President Lee Jae Myung, alleging violation of the Public Official Election Act.
  • Lee exposed his ballot paper during early voting on May 30 after the stamp appeared only partially on the ballot, and briefly stepped out of the voting booth to ask an election official whether his ballot would still be valid.
  • The PPP claimed that Lee's action violated the principle of ballot secrecy.
  • Police protection for party leaders was activated earlier than planned, beginning May 17 instead of the scheduled May 21.
  • Assassination threats targeting Democratic Party leader Rep. Jung Chung-rae were reported in social media group chatrooms, prompting an investigation by the Seoul Yeongdeungpo Police Station.
  • Police protection was provided to both Rep. Jung Chung-rae and Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok.

Perspectives

Democratic Party (ruling party): Rep. Jung Chung-rae, leader of the DP, cited a statement from the National Election Commission that no legal violations occurred. He criticized the PPP's complaint as "far-fetched," saying, "Filing a complaint over an incident that could simply have been brushed aside will not help the PPP gain more votes."

People Power Party (main opposition): The PPP, through leader Jang Dong-hyeok, filed the police complaint, arguing that President Lee's action of exposing his ballot paper violated the principle of ballot secrecy under the Public Official Election Act.

National Election Commission: According to the DP leader, the NEC stated that there were no legal violations in the incident involving President Lee's ballot exposure. (This statement is attributed to the NEC as reported by Rep. Jung; the commission's own public statement was not detailed in the available coverage.)