On the 29th, Lee Jae-myung is seen outside the polling booth while casting an out-of-district vote in the Incheon Gyeyang district, his registered address, asking an election worker about the status of the ballot stamp. [Photo=Yonhap News]

On the 30th, the civic group Committee for the People's Livelihood (Min Saeng Wi) filed a complaint with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Chairman Noh, Seoul City Election Commission Chairman Kim Chang-mo, and Jongno-gu Election Commission Chairman Ryu Yeon-jung, accusing them of abuse of power and dereliction of duty. 

The incident arose on the 29th when Lee Jae-myung emerged from the polling booth while casting an out-of-district vote in the Incheon Gyeyang district, his registered address, and inquired about the ballot stamp's condition to an election worker.

Regarding his actions, public opinion solidified into the view that "the exposed ballot was captured by a reporter's camera and revealed to the media. This is a violation of the Public Official Election Act and subject to invalidation, as it breaks the 'principle of secret ballot,' the foundation of democratic elections." In response, the Election Commission stated, "Simply entering and exiting the polling booth does not constitute an election law violation." Furthermore, the Election Commission explained that the ballot was not invalidated because the election official did not see the content of the vote. 

The Public Official Election Act stipulates that voted ballots cannot be disclosed and that disclosed ballots are to be invalidated. The People Power Party also claimed that President Lee exposed his voted ballot, which could be a violation of election law. 

In their complaint, Min Saeng Wi stated, "President Lee's actions contravene the principle of ballot secrecy under the Public Official Election Act," and urged an investigation, adding, "The Election Commission's explanation that there was no legal issue with the act constitutes negligence of their supervisory responsibilities."

Meanwhile, on the 29th, the day before, Min Saeng Wi also submitted a complaint to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency against Lee Jae-myung for alleged violation of the Public Official Election Act in relation to the same controversy. 

Min Saeng Wi Donation Account: Korea Post 010108-01-014472 

Account Holder: Committee for the People's Livelihood

Reporter Im Yo-hee