Lee Orders Strict Probe into Election Protest Disruptions

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has ordered a thorough investigation into protesters whose actions disrupted the June 3 local elections, including the blockade of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium. The president emphasized that while freedom of expression is a right, it must not infringe upon the rights of others.

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Protesters must exercise restraint so that their expression of opinion does not infringe on the rights of others.

Protesters had restricted access for staff working within the gymnasium and conducted unauthorized searches of athletes entering and exiting the facility. This disruption has drawn significant criticism from various sports associations, including the Korea Handball Federation and the Korea Fencing Federation, which held a press conference on June 11 demanding the return of their workplace.

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We demand the return of our workplace.

These sports organizations highlighted that their preparations for international competitions have been halted, and national qualification exams cannot be conducted due to the ongoing protests. They stressed that while they bear no responsibility for the situation, the athletes and the public are the ones suffering the consequences.

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Preparations for international competitions to promote national prestige have stopped, and national qualification exams cannot be taken.