South Korean Opposition Lawmakers Visit Protest Site Over Election Ballot Shortage

Lawmakers from South Korea's Democratic Party visited Olympic Park on June 17, the 13th day of a protest against ballot shortages in the June 3 local elections. The demonstrators have blockaded the counting center at the handball stadium, restricting access for officials from the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) who use offices within the park.

This visit marked the first time the ruling party's leadership entered the protest site. They met with KSOC officials to hear their grievances and discuss ways to normalize operations. Protesters have prevented KSOC employees from entering their offices, with one official reporting that even retrieving a USB drive was denied. Some employees have developed trauma from threats by YouTubers broadcasting the scene.

Rep. Chun Jun-ho, the party's senior deputy floor leader, acknowledged the severe distress faced by sports organizations, athletes, and national team coaches. "We confirmed that people in sports organizations, and athletes, and national team coaches are suffering much more serious pain," Chun stated. He emphasized the need to ensure the activities of world-class national athletes are not disrupted.

When asked about the potential deployment of public security forces, Chun evaded a direct answer, stating the party came to listen to the voices of citizens exercising their right to participate in democracy. As the lawmakers attempted to move closer to the handball stadium where protesters had gathered, they were met with shouts of "Get out" and "Give back my right to vote." Chun appealed to the protesters to allow free passage for KSOC officials and expressed hope that a cross-party agreement for a parliamentary inquiry would lead to a thorough investigation and institutional reforms.

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We confirmed that people in sports organizations, and athletes, and national team coaches are suffering much more serious pain.