Scratch-off lottery tickets are a typical example of hybrid printing, where static information is printed using offset printing, and variable information such as prize money is printed using high-speed variable data digital printing. Experts believe that the "cabbage leaf" ballots were also produced using this method. [Photo=Donghaeng Lottery]

The "cabbage leaf ballot" is considered crucial evidence that has shaken the foundation of South Korea's election system.

Among the total of six re-examinations of the 2020 general election, peculiar ballots were discovered in three locations: △Yeonsu-eul △Paju-eul △Namyangju-eup. The green background of the proportional representation ballot and the text "Proportional Representation National Assembly Election Ballot" were overprinted on the bottom of the white national assembly election ballot.

Regarding these peculiar ballots, the National Election Commission explained, "This occurred due to a ballot worker's mistake, causing the paper to re-enter the printer."

The "Cabbage Leaf Ballot Generation Video" Provided by the NEC is Suspicious

However, election fraud experts harbor doubts about the "cabbage leaf ballot generation video" provided by the NEC.

The "Hoso cabbage leaf ballot" (left) from the NEC's "cabbage leaf ballot generation video" and a cabbage leaf ballot discovered during a re-examination.

The reasons are, first, that there is no logical reason for a ballot worker to push a cut ballot into the output tray of a printer that continuously outputs proportional representation ballots. Second, even if a district ballot were accidentally or coincidentally inserted into the printer's output tray, the printing speed of the TM-C3400 printer used for advance voting is extremely fast, making it impossible to print in a form like the "cabbage leaf ballot."

Even in the case of accidental insertion, it could only be printed in the form shown in the video provided by the NEC. The text at the top, "Proportional Representation National Assembly Election Ballot," cannot be printed due to the printer's speed, unlike the ballot found during the Yeonsu-eul re-examination.

Most importantly, the letters on the cabbage leaf ballots appear in a curved form, but inkjet printers spray in straight lines, so such curved errors never occur. This is an error only possible with offset printing.

Lawyer Park Ju-hyun explaining the "cabbage leaf ballot" at a large forum on election fraud. [Photo=Pen & Microphone video capture]

According to a tipster, the letters on the cabbage leaf ballots appear in a curved form, which is impossible with the straight spray of an inkjet printer. This is an error only possible with offset printing. Furthermore, the cabbage leaf ballots discovered at the re-examination site show separated color printing layers, which is also a typical printing accident that occurs in "offset printing," where colors are printed sequentially through a rotating drum.

Likely Used Hybrid Printing Technology Similar to Scratch-off Lottery Tickets

Additionally, the Epson color inkjet printers used at advance voting sites spray ink as the print head moves. They combine cyan and yellow ink droplets simultaneously to create green on the spot.

"Offset printing," where colors are printed sequentially through a rotating drum. [Photo=Tipster]

However, the cabbage leaf ballots found at the re-examination site have separated color printing layers. This is also a typical printing accident that occurs in "offset printing," where colors are printed sequentially through a rotating drum.

So, how can an offset-printed ballot with a valid QR code exist? The answer lies in "hybrid printing" technology. Examining the production method of scratch-off lottery tickets reveals the secret.

According to a tipster (mechanical engineering major) residing in Busan, it is possible to mass-produce ballot forms using an offset printer and then overlay variable data (QR codes, election official stamps, etc.) that varies by page using a high-speed variable data printer (VDP) or a digital press like HP Indigo.

Scratch-off lottery tickets are a typical example of hybrid printing, where static information is printed using offset printing, and variable information such as prize money is printed using high-speed variable data digital printing.

Scratch-off lottery tickets are a typical example of hybrid printing, where static information is printed using offset printing, and variable information such as prize money is printed using high-speed variable data digital printing. [Data=Tipster]

The fact that ballots, which are supposed to be 100% printed on-site with inkjet, were produced using offset and hybrid printing suggests that the ballots were planned and produced at an external printing facility, not at the polling station.

This clearly indicates that the state-managed QR code data and election official stamp images were leaked externally, serving as irrefutable evidence of election fraud.

During the re-examination of the April 15 general election ballots, Chief Justice Dae-yeop Chun prohibited even photography of these ballots and immediately secured them. The publicly released photos were reportedly re-creations based on witness testimonies and were only disclosed after a considerable period.

The ballots from the 2020 general election inherently contain printing engineering contradictions. Unless these contradictions are resolved, the credibility of South Korean democracy cannot be restored. The collapsed electoral justice must be rectified through scientific re-verification without delay.

Reporter Im Yo-hee