South Korean President Lee Jae Myung denounces election fraud rumors and urges peace dialogue in Rome

President Lee Jae Myung, speaking from Rome, condemned circulating claims that South Korean election results were fabricated, calling them "absurd conspiracy theories" and "anti‑social behavior." He ordered legal action against those spreading the rumors and demanded a thorough, transparent investigation into the ballot shortage that marred the June 3 local elections, urging the National Election Commission to cooperate with a parliamentary probe.

Lee also said the "ember of hope" for dialogue and cooperation with North Korea remains alive. In a speech at a special mass, he reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to peace, noting past inter‑Korean agreements that facilitated family reunions and humanitarian exchanges. He highlighted continued efforts such as suspending loudspeaker propaganda and avoiding unilateral unification moves, while urging both sides to prevent accidental conflicts and rebuild trust.