Fellow Koreans,

With the arrival of the New Year of Byeongo (丙午), a new morning has dawned. 

I sincerely wish that all your hopes and aspirations come true in the year ahead, and that every household be filled with health and happiness.

Last year, the 21st Presidential Election was conducted under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Nevertheless, thanks to the strong interest and active participation of the people, the election was successfully concluded. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude to all citizens.

As we welcome the New Year, the National Election Commission (NEC) reaffirms its commitment to restoring public trust and prepares for the future with a renewed sense of responsibility.

Fellow Koreans,

This June, the 9th Nationwide Local Elections will be held—elections that realize democracy at the level closest to our daily lives.

Building upon our experience in successfully administering past local elections and the mature democratic civic consciousness of our people, the NEC will faithfully fulfill its constitutional mandate to realize popular sovereignty.

Local elections represent the starting point of “neighborhood democracy” for ourselves and our neighbors, and they are a vital process for the realization of grassroots democracy.

Fully recognizing the significance and value of these elections, the NEC will make thorough preparations to ensure that this election serves as a process for advancing local autonomy to a higher level.

All election-related affairs will be managed fairly and impartially in strict accordance with law and principle. Key electoral processes will be accurately and transparently disclosed to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings or suspicions.

Furthermore, the NEC will respond strictly to any acts that undermine electoral order, thereby fostering a free and fair electoral environment.

To promote policy-based elections, the NEC will provide comprehensive support so that voters can easily access essential election-related information and make informed choices.

Fellow Koreans,

In the year ahead, the NEC will not cease its efforts toward organizational innovation aimed at restoring public trust. We pledge to further enhance professionalism and transparency, place fairness above all else, and transform ourselves into a constitutional institution that meets the demands of the times.

Recently, a special committee composed of external experts reviewed the NEC’s organizational reform measures and election administration improvement plans, offering a range of policy recommendations. Through continuous self-reflection and sustained self-corrective efforts—rather than one-time measures—we will carefully review and implement these recommendations step by step. We will further accelerate improvements in organizational culture and strive for flawless election administration until the public is fully satisfied.

Fellow Koreans,

Throughout 2026, the NEC will devote its utmost efforts to the seamless administration of the local elections and to ongoing reform and innovation, so that Korea’s democracy and local autonomy may continue to advance and mature through the electoral process.

We kindly ask for your continued interest and unwavering support.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. Thank you.