1.463 billion won allocated in next year's budget for office building protection
Includes high fences to prevent wall-climbing, obstacles to block vehicleramming, suppression equipment, and more
Political circles lash out: "Turning a blind eye to calls for internal reform while wrapping themselves in armor?"
National Assembly budget review expected to face rough sailing
NEC explains: "Essential measures following designation as a 'Grade A' facility, the highest security rating"

The National Election Commission (NEC), facing intense demands for reform due to ballot paper shortages and voter turnout manipulation controversies, is embroiled in controversy for requesting approximately 1.4 billion won in the next year's budget for so-called 'fortification' of its office building. Criticism is mounting that it is pouring massive taxpayer money into blocking external intrusions instead of pursuing internal reform.

According to political circles on the 29th, out of a total budget request of 478.3 billion won in the '2027 Budget Request Project Explanatory Materials' submitted by the NEC to the National Assembly, 1.463 billion won was earmarked for office building security.

A look at the detailed breakdown reveals a level reminiscent of a military facility. Approximately 320 million won was allocated for installing a 2.7-meter-high fence and setting up security checkpoints to fundamentally prevent wall-climbing, while 460 million won was assigned for replacing the main gate and installing barriers against forced entry.

Notably, the budget includes suppression weapons such as 'anti-drone guns' (80 million won) to shoot down unauthorized flying objects, as well as gas sprayers (3.3 million won) and expandable batons (4.4 million won). In addition, 29 million won was requested for purchasing gun lockers and communication equipment due to the newly organized workplace reserve forces.

When this budget proposal was made public at a time when public trust has plummeted due to successive election management failures, political circles launched heavy criticism. Rep. Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party stated, "At a time when they are being demanded to reform to the point of dismantling, they are pushing for fortification to save their own skin instead of self-reflection," foreshadowing massive cuts during the National Assembly's budget review process.

In response, the NEC explained, "This is merely an essential measure to strengthen our security posture following the upgrading of our office building to 'Grade A'—the highest security rating among national key facilities—last December, and is not an excessive request." However, it is difficult to avoid criticism that the budget allocation is out of touch with public expectations, raising expectations of a bumpy road ahead during the National Assembly's approval process.