Protesters assault journalists at Seoul vote counting site

Protesters demonstrating against alleged irregularities in the June 3 local elections have escalated their actions, with some physically assaulting and verbally abusing journalists covering the events. A journalist from JTBC reported being attacked while attempting to leave a vote counting venue in Seoul after protesters had blocked all exits.

The incident occurred at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, where protests against ballot shortages have been ongoing. According to JTBC, the journalist was surrounded by protesters after exiting the building through a window. The protesters allegedly struck the journalist's hand with a flag pole, threw their eyeglasses, pulled their bag, and pushed them, causing them to fall.

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The detention and assault of our reporters is an attack on press freedom.

The JTBC chapter of the Korea Journalists Association issued a statement condemning the attack as an assault on press freedom. They vowed to pursue all legal measures against those responsible. The union described the event as an "unprecedented situation" where protesters "detained and assaulted" journalists, calling it an attack on the "foundations of democracy" and a violation of the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of the press and the public's right to know.

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The violence against journalists is not just an attack on individual reporters, but a serious threat that infringes upon the freedom of the press and the public's right to know, guaranteed by the constitution, and undermines the foundation of democracy.

Footage captured by other media outlets showed protesters shouting obscenities at a female reporter from Yonhap News TV during a live broadcast. As the reporter described protesters blocking entrances with barriers and furniture, male voices from off-camera hurled vulgar insults, including "You're f***ing lying, you bitch." The video circulated online, with viewers expressing outrage and urging the reporter to file a lawsuit.

Another incident involved a female reporter from a different broadcast station who was seen arguing with protesters on June 5. During the confrontation, she claimed that the protesters were "100% Chinese," an assertion captured on a YouTube live stream. The journalists' union stated that evidence from multiple cameras would be used to initiate legal proceedings against the attackers.

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What are you talking about, 'protesters'? You're f***ing lying, you bitch.