Two Weeks Before June 3 Local Elections... Prime Minister Kim: "Strict Measures Against Election Crimes Such as Fake News and Bribery"

2nd Ministers' Meeting on Fair Elections

With the June 3 nationwide local elections just about two weeks away, Prime Minister Kim Minseok stated on May 20, "We will take swift and strict action under a zero-tolerance policy against the 'three major election crimes': spreading fake news and black propaganda, bribery and providing entertainment to voters, and public officials' involvement in elections."

Yonhap News Agency

On the morning of the same day, presiding over the 2nd Ministers' Meeting on Fair Elections at the Seoul Government Complex, Prime Minister Kim said, "The three major election crimes are clear and serious offenses that infringe upon the public's right to know and distort the democratic process of elections. We will never overlook them," reiterating his stance.

In particular, Prime Minister Kim emphasized, "Election crimes such as deepfakes and other abuses of artificial intelligence disrupt citizens' rational judgment and have extremely negative effects," adding, "We will ensure their swift removal and thoroughly track down everyone involved, from the original creators to those who distribute them, to completely eradicate these practices." He also called on relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of the Interior and Safety, prosecutors, and the police, "to cooperate organically and respond swiftly, and to impose the maximum possible sentences on offenders as permitted by law."

Prime Minister Kim further stated, "Alongside eradicating election crimes, we will provide support to ensure that citizens can cast their precious votes without inconvenience," instructing a review of the preparations at both early voting and main polling stations. He also directed the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Ministry of National Defense "to provide thorough guidance and publicity for students, elderly and disabled voters with mobility challenges, and young voters fulfilling their military duties, and to ensure that absentee polling stations operate smoothly."

Prime Minister Kim expressed his hope that "the election will be fair and mature, centered on candidates engaging in healthy competition based on their visions and policy pledges for regional development."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.