On June 16, protesters blocking access to the Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's Jamsil area continued a 12-day standoff by preventing sports officials from entering. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok vowed a stern response to illegal acts.
Hundreds of protesters have occupied areas around the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul's Songpa District since June 5, demanding a rerun of the June 3 local elections due to ballot shortages at 26 polling stations. They continue to block access even though vote counting is complete.
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said on June 16 that while legitimate complaints over voting rights infringements are respected, “privately restricting those authorized to enter is a serious crime that can never be tolerated.” He added the government will respond sternly. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung expressed regret over incidents such as searches of belongings and assaults.
Sports officials were denied entry after one protester, reportedly wearing an American flag, blocked the gate despite an earlier agreement. Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok of the People Power Party said the deal collapsed. Sports Minister Chae Hwi-young posted that the blockade must end immediately.
Rival parties agreed on June 16 to a 45-day parliamentary investigation into the National Election Commission. The commission apologized for the shortages but maintained they did not alter results.
