A special counsel team led by Lee Tae-han searched the National Election Commission headquarters in Gwacheon on Monday over allegations that the watchdog improperly paid 905.8 million won ($677,000) in monthly stipends to its nine commissioners. The allowances were described as supporting free and fair elections, but the Board of Audit and Inspection and the National Assembly had said they lacked a legal basis, including because funds were diverted from other purposes. The payments began at 171.5 million won in 2020, and annual totals exceeded the 100 million-won threshold under a law covering conduct that causes losses to the state treasury. The 65-member search team, including four prosecutors, examined the offices of the NEC chair and secretary general. Lee's team was launched in September to investigate ballot shortages during the June 3 local elections and other suspected irregularities involving the election watchdog.