Police Identify Three Individuals in 'Vote Counting Site Intrusion'; Investigate 31 Illegal Acts During Blockade Protest

Authorities have identified three individuals suspected of damaging a lock and illegally entering the basement of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, which was being used as a vote-counting site. This incident is part of a larger investigation into 31 alleged illegal acts during a protest that effectively sealed off the facility.

The protest originated from a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections. The individuals in question are believed to have damaged the lock on a basement entrance and gained unauthorized access, subsequently filming inside the venue. The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation, which manages the facility, filed a complaint with the Songpa Police Station.

Police have stated that they have identified the three individuals involved in the basement intrusion. One has completed their questioning, while the other two have been summoned for interviews. The investigation also encompasses incidents where protesters blocked employees of sports organizations, housed within the gymnasium, from accessing their offices. This action persisted despite repeated police warnings.

Although an agreement was reached through the mediation of Jang Dong-hyuk, a leader of the People Power Party, one individual's continued obstruction prevented employees from entering their offices that day. Based on video evidence, police have booked nine individuals for charges including obstruction of business. They have identified two of these individuals and requested their appearance.

Further investigations are ongoing into other alleged offenses, such as the searching of belongings of the junior women's handball team and the assault of a reporter at the protest site. Police have identified some suspects in these cases and are either questioning them or have completed their interviews. In total, police are investigating nine cases of illegal acts against police officers and 18 cases of violence between citizens, vowing to pursue all illegal activities rigorously and respond strictly according to law and principle.