1725 ballots with printing smudges (toner marks) cited as evidence of election fraud. Surprisingly, all were new bills bundled as ballots. [Photo = Park Joo-hyun's Facebook]

I express deep concern over holding local elections while more than half of the nation doubts the transparency of the current vote counting and tabulation system.

First, those who committed election fraud must be identified and held accountable, and a transparent election system must be established so that all citizens can cleanly accept the results, regardless of who wins or loses.

At the end of March, VON CEO Kim Mi-young gave a special lecture at Eunpyeong Jeil Church. Despite her battle with cancer, her dedication to eradicating election fraud was so inspiring that I was deeply moved.

Among those leading the legal fight are former lawmaker Min Kyung-wook of First Penguin, and lawyers Park Joo-hyun, Do Tae-woo, and Kwon Oh-yong. Also, Professors Maeng Ju-seong, Heo Byung-gi, and Do Kyung-gu, who have uncovered the truth through statistics and computer science.

YouTubers Lee Bong-gyu, Gong Byung-ho, and Kwon Soon-hwal are publicizing the reality through YouTube broadcasts. Heo Gyeom, CEO of Hanmi Ilbo, is reporting the truth. Dr. Shin Sook-hee is leading overseas Koreans. Pastors Shim Ha-bo, Son Hyun-bo, and Jeon Kwang-hoon are at the forefront of protests in the field.

Thanks to the struggles of many comrades, including Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn, Jeon Han-gil, Jo Yang-geon, Jang Jae-eon, Oh Sang-jong, and Cheon Chang-ryong, as well as the ROTC Patriotic Comrades Association led by Chairman Won Jong-sam, and numerous patriotic civic groups including the Free University led by young leader Park Joon-young, I am convinced that those who committed election fraud will inevitably be punished soon.

The efficiency in processing tasks claimed by the National Election Commission can never take precedence over transparency. Elections must be conducted only after creating a transparent vote counting and tabulation system that allows the entire nation to cleanly accept the results, regardless of victory or defeat.

We must absolutely restore this nation, which has been brought down by vote counting and tabulation issues, to its rightful state.

◆ Dr. Kim Jae-soo

Ph.D. in Information Science. Former Head of the Agency for Defense Development. Served as the 5th and 6th Chairman of the Republic of Korea ROTC Patriotic Comrades Association. Currently, he is the Co-Standing Representative of the National Movement Headquarters for Abolishing Privileges and the Chairman of the People's Foundation Light.