'Even with 'Wild' Mediation,' Sports Organizations Blocked from Entering Jamsil Polling Station... Protester 1 Person Blocked, Finally 'Withdrawal'

*This content was translated by AI.

Amid the 12th day of the blockade protest at the Jamsil polling station due to the shortage of ballots for the the 3rd local elections, it was reported that entry by sports organizations under the Korean Sports Council was once again thwarted despite mediation by the opposition party.

According to NEWS1 and NEWSIS on the 16th, sports organizations under the Sports Council attempted to enter the Handball Gymnasium in Seoul Songpa-gu Olympic Park in the afternoon, but a female citizen blocked the passage and held her ground, forcing them to turn back.

Although it was announced that a consensus on entry had been reached with the mediation of Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO) and other National Assembly members from the People Power Party, the entry was ultimately thwarted on this day due to opposition from some protesters.

Police and Sports Council officials attempted to enter in the morning but were thwarted by citizen opposition; afterward, Jang (CEO) and other People Power Party members visited the scene to mediate.

Following mediation by the opposition party, it was agreed that two representatives from each organization and two broadcasters would enter under the presence of People Power Party members to retrieve Sports Council items, with verification by citizens.

After the agreement was announced, sports organizations under the Sports Council attempted to enter, but a female protester who was part of the demonstration rejected the mediation proposal and held her ground at the gate, causing the entry to fail.

People Power Party members, including Jang Dong-hyeok (CEO), and some protesters attempted to persuade the woman and try to re-enter, but by around 4 p.m., news of the Sports Council's withdrawal was finally conveyed.

Nine sports organizations under the Sports Council, including the Korean Fencing Association, have offices inside the Handball Gymnasium, but since the 5th, protesters have blocked access to the venue to prevent the removal of ballot boxes, paralyzing operations.

Consequently, relevant organizations issued statements earlier, appealing that they were facing difficulties in carrying out their duties, and Yoo Seung-min, President of the Korean Sports Council, also held a press conference the previous day to request the exercise of public authority.

In this process, it was reported that national fencing team members were unable to retrieve equipment stored in their office and had to urgently borrow equipment before departing for the Asian Championships.

Additionally, some protesters attempted to inspect the belongings of the women's youth national handball team, sparking controversy over private searches.

Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated in a national address on this day, "Any act that undermines the rule of law in our society, such as private searches or facility occupation, cannot be justified for any reason." He added, "As the demonstration has lasted over ten days, numerous illegal cases infringing on the law and social order have occurred during some protest processes, and I deeply regret this."

He continued, "While we will guarantee legal demonstrations to the maximum extent within the scope permitted by law to correct the infringement of voting rights and restore democracy, controlling the entry of officials with legitimate authority privately or obstructing legitimate work performance, or insulting police officers without cause, are serious criminal acts that infringe on others' rights under the pretext of voting rights infringement and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. We will pursue and hold fully accountable all acts that endanger the lives and safety of the people."

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*This content was translated by AI.