South Korean police and prosecutors raided the National Election Commission (NEC) offices on July 23, 2026. The raid focused on allegations that NEC officials falsified voter turnout figures during the June 3 local elections [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

At least 90 voters were unable to cast ballots on June 3 due to unprecedented shortages of ballot papers across dozens of polling stations nationwide [2, 3, 4, 5]. The disruption contributed to public outcry and demands for a re-run of the elections.

The controversy prompted NEC chief Roh Tae-ak to resign amid mounting pressure [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in 2025, ordered a thorough investigation into the matter [1, 3, 4, 5].

A joint investigation team of police and prosecutors said they found indications that officials from both the National Election Commission and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission input false voter turnout figures during the vote. They also conducted searches and seizures targeting those involved. “We have found indications that officials from the National Election Commission and the Gyeonggi Provincial Election Commission entered false voter turnout figures during the local elections,” a joint investigation spokesman said [1, 2].

The team suspects some officials manipulated turnout data by adjusting figures across multiple polling stations to maintain consistent totals without formal approval, bypassing required correction procedures [3, 4, 5]. Two election officials have been formally placed under investigation on suspicion of falsifying electronic records and related charges [2, 3, 4, 5].

One official admitted to inputting false numbers but argued that since the final turnout figures were accurate, no problem occurred. Investigators rejected this defense as unconvincing [6].

Investigators continue probing whether the manipulation extended beyond frontline workers to senior election officials. An investigation official stated, "We will investigate whether the alleged manipulation involved officials beyond the frontline staff and if senior election officials were aware or approved of these acts" [3].

The NEC is a constitutional body with limited external oversight and has long faced gaps in internal discipline and auditing processes [3, 4, 5]. The ballot shortage and falsification claims sparked public protests, including by student groups demanding election transparency [2, 3].

Some right-wing groups and supporters of former President Yoon Suk-yeol have pushed conspiracy theories of foreign interference, particularly involving China, but these claims remain unverified [3].

The authorities have continued searches and seizures following the July 24 revelations. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full scope of wrongdoing and responsible parties [6].