"Legitimate Concerns Over Voting Rights Acknowledged; Stern Investigation Ordered into Protester Misconduct"

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a tour of Europe, has acknowledged public concerns regarding the infringement of voting rights while condemning theories of election fraud as anti-social behavior. He has also ordered the police to strictly investigate illegal activities by protesters.

Reporter Kang Cheongwan has the story.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung stated on social media today (June 15) regarding the voting rights protests, "Protesters must exercise restraint to ensure they do not infringe upon the rights of others," adding, "I have instructed the police to strictly investigate instances of obstruction of business, such as blocking civilian access."

During a video conference with senior presidential aides held in Rome last night (Korean time), President Lee also emphasized the importance of upholding laws and institutions.

[President Lee Jae-myung: We must hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law and principles.]

President Lee defined the issue of voting rights infringement as having been triggered by the National Election Commission's mismanagement, stating that he empathizes with the public's concerns.

[President Lee Jae-myung: I fully acknowledge and accept the legitimate concerns raised by our citizens regarding the infringement of their voting rights.]

However, he strongly criticized "election fraud conspiracy theories," noting that certain groups are once again raising their heads to exploit the situation and incite baseless conspiracy theories.

[President Lee Jae-myung: Spreading theories of election fraud by talking about the manipulation of election results is an anti-social act that distorts the essence of this issue and insults the valuable voices of the people.]

Earlier today, President Lee met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.

During their private 30-minute meeting, President Lee reportedly shared the South Korean government's vision for peace on the Korean Peninsula and confirmed the Vatican's support.

He also officially invited the Pope to the World Youth Day, a Catholic event to be held in Seoul next year.

Having concluded his visit to Italy and the Vatican, President Lee will head to Évian, France, tomorrow for the G7 summit.

Attention is focused on whether a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Trump will take place during the G7.

Reported by Kang Cheongwan | Video by Jung Sang-bo | Video Editing by Nam Il | Graphics by Seo Hyun-joong
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.