"I didn't vote, but it says I already did"…81 112 emergency calls in Seoul alone

Korea Economic Daily

Summary

A total of 81 emergency calls were received by 112 in Seoul.
Irregularities related to voting, such as cases involving people with the same name and incomplete marking of ballots, have been identified.
The National Election Commission and election committees stated intentions to investigate for potential crimes and file charges.

On the day of the 21st presidential election, Seoul police announced that, as of 3 p.m. on the 3rd, a total of 81 reports related to polling stations had been received via 112 emergency calls.

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, at around 1:12 p.m. that day, at the polling station of Seoul Dangjung Elementary School in Yeongdeungpo District, a woman in her 70s reported to the police after being informed that 'her records indicated she had already voted' while her personal details were being confirmed.

Upon investigation, a person with the same name as the woman was found within the same jurisdiction. The National Election Commission plans to check if the namesake voted, verify any criminal activity, and file charges if necessary.

At the polling station of Inheon Elementary School in Gwanak District, another report claimed, "I never voted, but my signature is on the voter list."

At around 2:18 p.m., at a polling station in Seongbuk District, a report was made that "after checking personal details, ballots were distributed that were printed and stamped in advance, rather than issuing and handing out ballots on the spot." Similar reports—six in total—were also received in Gangseo District, Dongjak District, and elsewhere.

The election officials stated their position that management was conducted legally, citing the Public Official Election Act provision that up to 100 ballots may be stamped in advance and then issued to voters.

On the same day, at the entrance of the polling station at Wonmyeong Elementary School in Seocho District, there was an incident where a red balloon reading 'President Kim Moon-soo' was installed. Election officials immediately removed the balloon and reported the matter to the Seocho District Election Commission. The Seocho District election committee has identified those involved and will decide whether to file charges with investigative authorities after an internal investigation.

Hyun-bo Shin, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com