Protests over ballot shortages from the June 3 local elections continued on June 17 as a woman blocked entry to the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's Songpa District, preventing sports officials from accessing their offices.
Protesters have blocked the gymnasium since June 5, denying access to offices of national sports federations under the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee. On June 17, after a brief agreement allowed sports officials to enter, a woman stood alone at one gate and refused to move for about two hours.
People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok mediated the temporary deal, but it collapsed. The Seoul Songpa Police Station said it plans to investigate the woman. A joint police and prosecution probe into the ballot shortages continues.
The government and ruling Democratic Party vowed stern action against illegal acts. Separately, the People Power Party said it will file petitions challenging results in up to nine metropolitan mayoral and gubernatorial races.