Police Say Conditions for Dispersing 'Ballot Counting Center Protest' Met, but Will Decide Carefully

Police Agency: "Respecting Citizens' Right to Express Opinions at Ballot Counting Center"

Yu Jaeseong: "Strict Response to Illegal Acts Undermining Public Order"

Deemed an Unreported Assembly under the Assembly and Demonstration Act

Yu Jaeseong, Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, addressed the gathering of citizens in front of the ballot counting center at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, stating, "We will fully respect and protect the legitimate exercise of sovereignty by citizens who voluntarily assemble to express their opinions regarding the infringement of suffrage." However, he also announced a firm stance that illegal activities would be met with strong enforcement.

At a press conference held at the National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd, Acting Commissioner Yu stated, "We will respond strictly to illegal acts that undermine public order and cause inconvenience to other citizens."

On the 17th, protesters were waving the American flag and the Korean flag at the entrance of the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon

Regarding the situation at the ballot counting center, police are currently investigating 36 cases, including illegal searches conducted on the women’s handball team and the obstruction of work stemming from blocking Korea Sports & Olympic Committee officials from entering. Yu emphasized, "We will conduct a thorough investigation into illegal acts that infringe on the rights of others, including assault and intimidation, and hold those responsible accountable in accordance with the law and established principles."

The citizens gathered in front of the Handball Stadium at Olympic Park are demonstrating differently from traditional rallies or protests, as there is no specific organizer. Most are reacting against the shortage of ballots during the 9th nationwide simultaneous local elections, but the level of protest varies, with some even preventing officials from the Korea Sports & Olympic Committee from entering the premises.

The police are closely monitoring these unique characteristics. When asked how the scene is being classified under the Assembly and Demonstration Act, Acting Commissioner Yu explained, "This gathering has the nature of an unreported assembly without an organizer under the Assembly and Demonstration Act. There are procedures and precedents for dispersing such unreported assemblies." He added, "Given the diverse nature and claims of the citizens gathered, decisions regarding dispersal must be made carefully, taking into account public safety and the risk of accidents." Although current regulations provide the grounds for a forcible dispersal, he effectively indicated that the final decision would be reserved for the time being.

Nevertheless, the police stated that, in balancing citizens' right to express their opinions with the Korea Sports & Olympic Committee’s right of access, they would attempt to facilitate entry for the committee upon request. Yu said, "When the committee attempted to enter on the 16th, we deployed a number of dialogue police officers and detectives, making several efforts to persuade and warn the crowd. If the committee requests entry, we will actively support them. However, if access is blocked again or illegal activities occur, we will take legal action."

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