How long will the special counsel investigation into ballot shortages take?

The special counsel will have up to 20 days to prepare before the full probe begins early next month. After that, the team will have up to 90 days to investigate, and the period can be extended twice by 30 days each.

Why did the special counsel say the ballot shortage probe is being conducted?

He said the special probe is meant to clear up doubts without political consideration or prejudice. He also said it could help establish a foundation for improving election management in the country.

President Lee appoints special counsel to probe ballot shortages

Q: Who is Lee Tae-han and what will he investigate as special counsel?

Lee Tae-han is a prosecutor-turned-lawyer appointed by President Lee Jae Myung. He will investigate ballot shortages reported during the June 3 elections and allegations of mismanagement of ballot papers by the National Election Commission.

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Summary

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday appointed Lee Tae-han as special counsel to investigate ballot shortages reported during the June 3 elections. Lee Tae-han, a prosecutor-turned-lawyer, was one of two candidates recommended by a bipartisan committee. The special counsel will have up to 20 days to prepare, with the full probe expected to start early next month.

Key Facts

The special counsel team will have up to 90 days to investigate allegations of ballot paper mismanagement by the National Election Commission.
The investigation period can be extended twice by 30 days each.
Lee Tae-han said the probe aims to clear up doubts without political consideration or prejudice.
He also said the investigation should help lay the foundation for improvements in the country’s election management.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 18, 2026 8:35 pm KST

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Jongno District, Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Wang Tae-seog

President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday appointed a prosecutor-turned-lawyer as special counsel to investigate ballot shortages reported during the June 3 elections.

Lee Tae-han, one of two candidates recommended by a bipartisan recommendation committee, will have up to 20 days to prepare for the investigation, with a full-scale probe expected to begin early next month.

The special counsel team will have up to 90 days to investigate allegations of mismanagement of ballot papers by the National Election Commission, with the period extendable twice by 30 days each.

The special counsel said the special probe is aimed at clearing up the doubts without political consideration or prejudice.

"I feel a heavy burden of responsibility... we will probe in accordance with laws and principle, as well as objective evidence and facts," he said.

The special counsel also said the probe will help lay the foundation for improvements in the country's election management.

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