Police weigh referral to anti-corruption agency
![A citizen holds a sign reading "Save Korean democracy" outside Polling Station No. 2 in Jamsil 7-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, on Thursday. Voting hours at the station were extended to 10 p.m. after a ballot shortage during the 9th nationwide local elections and National Assembly by-elections. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/04/rcv.YNA.20260604.PYH2026060422690001300_P1.jpg)
By Kim A-rin, The Herald Business
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's wide-area investigation unit has taken up a case in which civic groups filed a complaint against National Election Commission Chairman Noh Tae-ak and others over a ballot shortage that disrupted voting in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and other areas during Wednesday's local elections.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said Thursday that the complaint — filed Wednesday against the election commission chairman and others on charges including dereliction of duty — had been assigned to its wide-area crime investigation unit. "We plan to carry out the necessary investigation in accordance with proper procedures," the agency said.
The NEC chairman falls under the jurisdiction of the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials. A police official said the investigation team would decide whether to refer the case to that office after an internal review.
During Wednesday's local elections and National Assembly by-elections, ballot shortages were reported at a total of 17 polling stations across Seoul, Incheon and other areas, leaving some voters waiting or unable to cast their ballots.
arin@heraldcorp.com
