KSOC President Demands Police Action Over Stadium Occupation Disrupting Sports Operations

Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC), has formally requested law enforcement intervention to end a protest that has paralyzed operations within the Seoul Olympic Park Handball Stadium. The stadium, which served as a vote counting center for the June 3 local elections, has been occupied by protesters for 11 consecutive days, preventing access to nine affiliated sports organizations.

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Due to the work vacuum, the damage has ballooned to 6 billion won, and there are significant disruptions to supporting athletes ahead of the Asian Games. I request the exercise of public authority so that only essential items for work can be removed.

The prolonged occupation has resulted in substantial financial damages, estimated to be up to 6 billion won (approximately $4.4 million USD). More critically, it is severely impacting the preparations of athletes for the upcoming Asian Games and other international events. National fencing teams preparing for the Asian Fencing Championships and the Korean Underwater Fin Swimming Association gearing up for the Incheon World Fin Swimming Championships are unable to access essential training equipment and crucial data.

KSOC President Yoo emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Due to the work vacuum, the damage has ballooned to 6 billion won, and there are significant disruptions to supporting athletes ahead of the Asian Games. I request the exercise of public authority so that only essential items for work can be removed."

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The freedom of assembly and protest guaranteed by the Constitution is respected, but no right should be exercised in a way that infringes upon the rights of other citizens and public functions.

The protesters are reportedly demonstrating against a shortage of ballots during the local elections. While Yoo respects the right to assembly and protest, he stressed that "no right should be exercised in a way that infringes upon the rights of other citizens and public functions." He urged the government and police to recognize the damage to sports organizations and promptly resolve the situation. The disruption affects sports like dance sports, mountaineering, sepak takraw, wushu, fencing, and handball, all of which are part of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, leading to delays in salary payments for national athletes, coaches, and staff due to the inability to access financial and administrative equipment.

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We will thoroughly investigate the facts and clearly state that we will review all legal response measures, including civil and criminal liability.