Seoul: Police will enforce the highest-level security alert nationwide on the upcoming presidential election day, June 3, the nation’s top police official said Thursday. Lee Ho-young, acting chief of the Korean National Police Agency, issued the order during an online conference with top police officials, emphasizing that the police will respond sternly to election crimes.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lee stressed the importance of ensuring that the June 3 election is conducted more fairly and stably than any previous election through tight security and strict law enforcement. The highest-level security alert, known as the Gapho alert, necessitates the mobilization of 100 percent of the police force.

The police will begin strengthening their security posture starting on Monday, coinciding with the official kick-off of the election campaign. The security measures will be further heightened during the early voting period from May 29 to 30. Approximately 168,000 officers will be mobilized to safeguard candidates, polling, and counting stations, as well as to prepare for any contingencies.