Key facts
- Sports officials were prevented from entering a gymnasium used as a ballot-counting center.
- The entry was blocked by a protestor despite an earlier agreement.
- Protesters are demanding a rerun of the June 3 elections due to alleged ballot shortages.
- Officials from sports organizations have been unable to access their offices since June 5.
- Police warned protesters of legal consequences for obstructing business.
Sports officials were unable to enter a gymnasium serving as a ballot-counting center for the June 3 elections on Tuesday, as a protestor resisted their entry despite an earlier agreement. The officials were asked to withdraw due to the circumstances, according to Rep. Jang Dong-hyeok of the main opposition People Power Party (PPP).
Protesters have been blocking the gate of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in southern Seoul since June 5, demanding a rerun of the elections, which they claim were marred by ballot shortages at 26 voting stations nationwide. The vote count has already been completed.
Under an agreement with the sports organizations and the police, two members per organization were to enter the gym at a time to retrieve necessary items. The process was to be broadcast live under the oversight of PPP lawmakers, with protesters present to check recovered items.
Earlier on Tuesday, police issued three warnings to the protesters regarding criminal punishment for obstruction of business. Rep. Jang and other PPP lawmakers were present at the site to help deescalate the situation.