Kim Yong-bin, Secretary General of the National Election Commission, stated on the 5th that there is "considerable doubt as to whether the entry of martial law troops into the National Election Commission during the state of emergency is constitutionally in accordance with the Martial Law Act."
At an urgent inquiry by the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee on the same day, in response to the criticism, "Does the head of a constitutional institution not raise any issues about the entry of martial law troops?" Secretary General Kim said, "We are strictly reviewing this matter, and the response review is almost complete."
Secretary General Kim said, "I do not know the exact reason why the martial law troops entered the Election Commission. I believe the Election Commission is not subject to the Martial Law Act," adding, "Even if martial law is imposed, I do not think there is a need to transfer the Commission's duties to the Martial Law Command."
Regarding whether any items were taken out from the Election Commission during the martial law period, Secretary General Kim explained, "There were none," and confirmed that computer and log records were also checked. Regarding whether the martial law troops entered the Information Management Bureau, which manages the election information servers, he said, "I will check again."
Secretary General Kim stated, "About ten martial law troops entered, confiscated the mobile phones of five night duty personnel, monitored their actions, and controlled access," adding, "An additional approximately 100 martial law troops deployed only conducted guard operations in the first-floor lobby and occupied the building for a total of about 3 hours and 20 minutes."
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