Police Begin Investigation into Failed Entry at Ballot Counting Center: "Investigation Launched Based on Collected Evidence"

Police and Sports Groups Confront Protesters From 9 a.m.
"Illegal Situation Unresolved Despite Three Warnings"

The police have launched an investigation into obstruction of work by participants in the blockade protest at the Olympic Park ballot counting center in Songpa-gu, Seoul, which arose due to ballot paper shortages during the 9th nationwide local elections.

Kim Minsu, Supreme Council Member of the People Power Party, is speaking in front of the counting center at the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul on the 16th. Photo by Yonhap News

The Songpa Police Station in Seoul stated on the 16th, "From around 9 a.m. for about two hours, officials from sports associations attempted to enter their offices at the Handball Stadium to restore at least minimal normal operations, such as preparations for international events and accounting work, but were prevented by some citizens."

The police added, "The accompanying officers repeatedly warned that obstructing the work of the sports association could result in legal action, but the illegal situation was not resolved."

The police plan to proceed with an investigation and take legal measures based on the collected evidence.

Earlier that morning, the police broadcast three warnings to the protesters at the site. A police official warned, "Anyone obstructing entry by sports association officials will become the subject of investigation," and added, "Since illegal acts may occur, all actions will be recorded as evidence."

Sports organizations affiliated with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee occupying this stadium have been denied entry for more than ten days since the ballot box from the Jamsil 7-dong No. 2 polling station was relocated on the 5th. Yoo Seungmin, President of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, said at a press conference the previous day, "I request that the authorities be deployed as soon as possible to restore at least minimal normal operations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.