President Lee Acknowledges Concerns Over Suffrage, Orders Strict Investigation into Protester Misconduct

[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a tour of Europe, has stated that he acknowledges the public's concerns regarding the infringement of suffrage rights, while simultaneously criticizing conspiracy theories about election fraud as antisocial behavior. He has also ordered the police to strictly investigate illegal acts by protesters.

Reporter Kang Cheong-wan has the story.

[Reporter]

President Lee Jae-myung stated on social media yesterday (June 15) regarding the suffrage 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 obstruction of business, such as the disruption of restricted areas."

During a video conference with senior presidential aides held in Rome, he 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 suffrage infringement as having been triggered by the National Election Commission's poor management, expressing empathy for the public's concerns.

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

However, he strongly criticized "election fraud conspiracy theories," noting that forces are once again emerging to exploit the situation by inciting absurd conspiracy theories.

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

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

During the 30-minute private meeting, President Lee reportedly conveyed 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.

President Lee Jae-myung departs today for Evian, France, where the G7 summit will be held.

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

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