Police investigate man accused of blocking sports officials during Seoul protest

Police are investigating a man in his 30s on suspicion of obstructing business after he allegedly prevented sports organization officials from entering the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Seoul. The incident occurred during a protest that has been ongoing for 26 days, initially sparked by a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections.

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The police summoned Mr. K, a man in his 30s, on May 29 for questioning on charges of obstructing business.

The suspect, identified as Mr. K, was summoned by the Songpa Police Station on May 29. He is accused of blocking officials from sports organizations affiliated with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee from entering their offices within the gymnasium on May 16. Police presented video evidence and questioned him about his actions.

Mr. K reportedly stated that he was merely trying to persuade other protesters to allow the officials access, rather than actively preventing their entry himself. Police also plan to question a 30-year-old woman, identified as Ms. N, who was seen wrapping herself in an American flag and blocking the entrance until the end.

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Mr. K is accused of blocking the entry of officials from sports organizations affiliated with the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee into the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium.

Authorities have identified nine suspects in relation to the obstruction of business by sports organizations and are investigating 58 cases involving illegal activities near the stadium, with 139 individuals under investigation.

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He reportedly stated that he was only persuading other participants to allow the sports organizations to enter.