Olympic Park Blockade Disrupts Sports Organizations, Calls for National Assembly Action

Sports organizations are calling on the National Assembly to urgently resolve a protest that has blocked access to their offices for 54 days, severely disrupting their operations. The protest, initiated by claims of fraud during the local elections, centers around the Olympic Park handball gymnasium, which was used as a vote counting center.

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We earnestly request the cooperation of the National Assembly and relevant agencies to ensure safe access for employees of member sports organizations housed in the Olympic Park handball gymnasium and to allow the removal of essential administrative data and computer equipment.

Nine sports organizations, including handball, fencing, and mountaineering, are unable to access their facilities. This prevents them from carrying out essential administrative tasks, such as issuing performance certificates needed for college admissions and employment. The disruption also impacts preparations for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with concerns growing about the effect on athletes' performance.

The consequences of the blockade are already significant. The Korean Underwater Finswimming Association incurred a 10,000 euro fine from the World Aquatics Federation due to administrative delays for the World Championships. They also lost approximately 40 million won by converting ticket sales to free entry because the tickets were inaccessible. Fencing athletes had to borrow equipment for the Asian Championships, and the Korean finswimming team competed without national emblems on their swim caps.

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While I deeply sympathize with the need for a parliamentary inquiry and fully respect its necessity and purpose, the prolonged restriction on office access continues to make it difficult for member sports organizations to perform even basic tasks necessary for sports administration.

Lawmaker Kim Jae-won emphasized the dire situation, stating that while he respects the need for a parliamentary inquiry, the prolonged office access restrictions are preventing basic administrative functions. He highlighted that the delay in sports administration ultimately harms athletes, coaches, and the public, urging for immediate measures to allow access and resume essential work.

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The Asian Games is one of the most important goals in the careers of many national athletes. Preparations for international competitions must be completed within a set timeframe. Even small administrative delays can have a significant impact on athletes.