'Yoo Seung-min (Chairman) Early Return' Korean Olympic Committee Also Takes Urgent Action to Address Blockade Protest at Venue... "Minimizing Disruption to Sports Organizations' Operations"

*This content was translated by AI.

As the blockade protest at the Seoul Songpa-gu Olympic Park Handball Arena regarding the shortage of ballots for the the 3rd local elections continues for a week, the Korean Olympic Committee has also taken urgent action.

On the 11th, the committee stated, "We are continuously monitoring the situation where access to the offices of member sports organizations is restricted due to ongoing rallies and protests in the area of the Olympic Park Handball Arena (Ticket Link Live Arena), causing difficulties in carrying out sports administration." It added, "We are taking measures to minimize operational disruptions and prevent gaps in athlete support."

According to the committee, a countermeasure meeting was held on the morning of the 11th, chaired by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with representatives from the Korean Olympic Committee, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, and member sports organizations residing in the handball arena in attendance. The meeting discussed measures to ensure the continuity of operations for member organizations, including support for the removal of essential items such as financial transfer OTPs and bankbooks, urgent responses related to participation in international competitions and support for national team squads, provision of temporary office spaces, and support for office equipment and supplies.

The committee explained, "Relevant institutional investors have agreed to actively cooperate to minimize damage."

It further stated, "Since the incident occurred, we have been in continuous communication with member sports organizations to identify on-site difficulties and have been seeking response measures in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, the police, and other relevant institutional investors." It added, "We are also checking the situation of each member sports organization to ensure that essential tasks such as support for national team squads, preparation for and hosting of international competitions, and qualification certification for sports instructors are not interrupted, and are developing necessary support measures."

In particular, the committee noted that Yoo Seung-min (Chairman), who is currently attending the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee, plans to return early on the 12th to personally oversee measures for the resumption of member sports organizations' operations and the protection of athletes.

"Yoo Seung-min (Chairman)" said, "While the freedom of rallies and protests must be respected, essential administrative functions that support national team squads and the sports of the Republic of Korea must also be maintained stably." He added, "We will promptly take necessary measures to ensure that there are no disruptions in athletes' training, preparation for international competitions, and the normal operations of member sports organizations."

He further said, "We earnestly request active cooperation to ensure that the removal of essential items such as materials and equipment needed for support of national team squads, preparation for international competitions, and the performance of essential tasks by member sports organizations is guaranteed."

The committee stated, "We deeply empathize with the hardships faced by staff of member sports organizations' offices who are experiencing difficulties on the ground." It added, "Even in a situation where access is restricted, staff members are performing their roles at their respective posts to prevent gaps in sports administration, including support for national team squads, execution of international affairs, salary and accounting processing, and preparation for tournament operations."

It concluded, "Going forward, we plan to continue providing necessary support and responses to minimize on-site difficulties while closely cooperating with relevant institutional investors and member sports organizations to ensure the protection of athletes and the stable operation of sports administration."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.