South Korea’s National Election Commission (NEC) chairperson, Roh Tae-ak, on Friday offered to resign following a widespread shortage of ballot papers that disrupted voting in Seoul during this week’s local elections.

Mr Tae-ak made the announcement during a press briefing at the NEC headquarters in Gwacheon, south of Seoul, expressing deep responsibility for the incident and apologising for eroding public trust in election management.

“The situation undermined voters’ confidence and participation in local elections, and I feel devastated as chairman,” Mr Tae-ak said.

The NEC Secretary-General Heo Cheol-hoon also offered to resign, Mr Tae-ak added.

The presidential office said it “takes seriously” the resignations and called for a comprehensive review of election management procedures to restore public trust.

Officials stressed the need for the NEC to provide a clear explanation and implement strict follow-up measures.

The NEC plans to establish an independent committee of outside experts to investigate the cause of the shortage and propose preventive steps.

Ballot paper shortages were reported at more than a dozen polling stations in Seoul, including the Songpa and Gangnam districts, leading to a temporary suspension of voting.

Some voters reportedly left without casting their ballots after waiting.

Protesters later gathered at a polling station in Jamsil, Songpa Ward, alleging election fraud and obstructing officials from transporting ballot boxes.

Police dispersed the crowd and transferred approximately 2,000 ballots to a counting centre.

 (Yonhap/NAN)