Woman Arrested for Spitting at Police During Election Protest

A 40-year-old woman faces arrest for allegedly spitting at and verbally abusing police officers during a protest that blocked a vote counting center. The incident occurred on June 17 at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Seoul, where election ballot papers were being processed.

The woman, identified as Kim, is accused of spitting at officers and using profanity while filming them with her phone. Reports suggest she accused the officers of being Chinese and insulted their families. Her arrest warrant was issued by the Seoul Eastern District Court, citing a risk of flight and potential for re-offending.

Following her pre-arrest hearing, Kim reportedly wept and claimed her actions were justified, alleging police assault. A video circulating on social media appears to show an officer striking Kim's cheek immediately after she spat at him, fueling public debate about the incident. The protest itself was triggered by a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections.