Joo Ah-min on 'Ballot Paper Shortage' Crisis: "Group Buying Paused Temporarily... 'Unfairness' is Only Natural" — Passionate Remarks in the U.S. [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Broadcaster Joo Ah-min (42) publicly voiced her concerns regarding the 'ballot paper shortage crisis' during the the 3rd local elections.

On the 4th, Joo Ah-min posted on her Instagram: "I can't sleep even in the United States. Regardless of whether it's left or right, isn't this a country where our children have a future to live in? I lacked the courage to speak out until now, but I can no longer remain on the sidelines."

She continued, "I will temporarily pause my group buying activities. This is not about who did right or wrong; it is simply about discussing things that we have naturally enjoyed and should naturally enjoy. Even if you dislike my stance and use harsh words, I believe that in a democracy with freedom of expression, that is a natural right, and I respect it. Therefore, I hope my thoughts and opinions are also respected."

Joo Ah-min also stated, "Although I currently live in the United States, I am a citizen of the Republic of Korea, and my family members support different political administrations. However, we do not disrespect or criticize each other for that. Loving one's family does not change just because our views differ. Until recently, I had no particular interest in politics and held no specific political leaning. I even believed that having a political stance would not benefit me due to my profession. However, over the past few years, while raising my child, I became interested in politics and felt it was something I should care about. Since each of my followers is a precious part of my profession, many unfollowed me after the post I made yesterday. Therefore, I believe those in my profession or well-known figures would be even more cautious in speaking out for this reason. However, I consider elections a fundamental pillar of democracy and believe they are a right naturally granted to citizens of the Republic of Korea. Regardless of which administration comes to power through such fair elections, I hope and support that the government formed by the will of the people will do well. It is the duty of the people to trust and support them." She added, "I believe it is only natural that those who could not vote in this election feel bewildered and aggrieved. If we question such an unprecedented event, does it make sense to ask, 'Are you right-wing if you speak up? Are you left-wing if you stay silent?'"

He said, "I feel it is a very serious problem that the current social atmosphere is being shaped into one where no one can speak out even when witnessing such incidents, and speaking up would make one seem abnormal. I wanted to express my convictions for the first time because I believe our country is one where this is possible, acceptable, and should be done. This is because I consider it a democratic society with freedom of expression." He further raised his voice, stating, "Regardless of who becomes the Seoul Mayor, I believe a re-vote is necessary. For those who could not vote at all, I believe they should be granted the right to vote again."

Later, Joo Ah-min strongly criticized the situation, asking, "What is happening to our country? Regardless of which camp wins or loses, shouldn't everyone feel upset? If the Korea Educational Development Institute printed too few OMR sheets on the CSAT day, causing students to be unable to mark their answers and leave, would there be any parents who would remain silent? When students and parents asked why there were not enough OMR sheets, the institute director said, 'I don't know the cause.' When asked how they would take responsibility, the response was, 'It will follow the court's ruling.' Would anyone remain silent in such a case?"

Earlier, during the voting process of the 9th National Simultaneous Local Elections and the National Assembly by-elections held on the 3rd, an unprecedented crisis occurred where voting was temporarily suspended at some polling stations, including Seoul Songpa-gu, due to a shortage of ballot papers. This affected 67 out of 14,288 polling stations nationwide, and additional ballot papers sent to 50 of these locations were actually used. It was revealed that 22 polling stations had voting suspended and then resumed.

Meanwhile, Joo Ah-min debuted in the entertainment industry in 2008 by appearing in the music video for the solo song 'I Know' by god member Son Ho-young. She later gained recognition through variety shows such as Mnet's 'Men Like Rain from the Sky' and ENA's 'Shiny Husband.'

Joo Ah-min married an American-born Korean man who was a former U.S. military officer, three years her senior, in 2013. They welcomed a son in 2015. In 2019, she gained attention by revealing her 100-pyeong mansion in Seattle, United States.

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*This content was translated by AI.