Democratic Party Calls for Protection of Sports Organizations Amid Ongoing Vote Counting Protest

A protest at the Olympic Park handball stadium in Songpa, Seoul, which began due to a shortage of ballots for the June 3 local elections, has entered its 13th day. Police have launched an investigation into protesters who obstructed access for sports officials. Lawmakers from the Democratic Party visited the site, urging the protection of sports organizations' activities, but the blockade continues.

On June 16, the Songpa Police Station announced that they are reviewing whether to apply charges of obstruction of duty against a woman identified as A, who prevented officials from the Korean Sports Council from entering the handball stadium.

The police stated, "On the previous day, sports officials attempted to access their office for preparations for international competitions and accounting tasks, but their efforts were thwarted by some citizens. We are currently analyzing the situation and evidence to identify illegal activities and suspects."

A reportedly blocked the entrance for about two hours, even after an agreement was reached between the protest participants and Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, regarding limited access for sports organizations. Despite attempts to persuade her, A insisted that preserving ballots and ballot boxes was a priority, ultimately preventing entry.

Additionally, police are investigating 15 other illegal activities that occurred during the protest, including derogatory remarks directed at officers on site and online postings by conservative YouTubers.

Around 200 citizens gathered near the handball stadium at 9:30 a.m. on June 17. Signs reading "June 3 local elections null and void," "preserve evidence," and "U.S.-Korea joint investigation" were displayed at the 2-1 entrance, while participants held placards stating, "National re-election, preserving evidence."

As the protest continues, internal disagreements have emerged among participants regarding whether to allow sports officials to enter. Some argued, "They should be let in," while others countered, "We must block them completely." Tensions escalated when one participant confronted a YouTube broadcaster, questioning why they wouldn't share their channel name, accusing them of being a mole.

Democratic Party lawmakers Cheon Jun-ho, Im Ok-kyung, and Jeon Yong-ki visited the site to hear reports from sports officials about the impact of the blockade and to advocate for the protection of sports activities.

Cheon stated, "The voices expressing that the shortage of ballots has infringed on citizens' voting rights must be respected. However, the activities of athletes who participate in international competitions as national representatives must also be guaranteed."

He added, "Fencing national team members are unable to bring their competition swords to international events, causing significant disruptions to their activities. Only by ensuring the operations of the Sports Council can we fully convey the call to protect citizens' voting rights."

Jeon pointed out, "With less than 100 days until the Asian Games, the administrative processes related to hosting international competitions are effectively paralyzed. Fencing athletes are even forced to use practice swords instead of competition swords."

Im noted that on-site officials have expressed concerns for their safety due to exposure on YouTube, stating, "They have reported experiencing trauma to the extent that they become tense just seeing a camera."

While the Democratic Party lawmakers agree on the need to investigate the ballot shortage issue, they insist that the activities of sports organizations must be protected.

Cheon remarked, "Both parties have agreed on a plan for a national investigation into the infringement of citizens' voting rights and electoral reform, which is expected to be adopted in tomorrow's plenary session. Your voices are being reflected in the process, but the activities of the Sports Council must be guaranteed."

He emphasized, "Basic freedom of movement must be protected, and any obstruction to this can only be viewed as illegal."

Earlier, on June 15, the Sports Council and nine sports organizations, including billiards, fencing, and handball, held a press conference requesting the intervention of public authorities. They stated that the prolonged restrictions on access have paralyzed essential functions such as supporting national representatives and preparing for international competitions, estimating the damage at approximately 6 billion won (about $5 million).