Jamsil Ballot Counting Center Protest Enters Tenth Day Amid Calls for Reelection

The protest at the Jamsil ballot counting center, triggered by a shortage of ballots for the June 3 local elections, entered its tenth day on June 14. With an increase in family participants, the turnout was notably higher than on weekdays. At the entrance of the Jamsil counting center, citizens expressed diverse demands, including calls for the restoration of voting rights and international cooperation in investigations.

On the afternoon of June 14, a visit by Aju Economy to the area in front of the Olympic Park handball stadium noted a significant crowd compared to weekdays. According to real-time urban data from Seoul, the population in Olympic Park reached up to 16,000 at 2 p.m. Among the participants, those in their 30s made up 22.9%, indicating that families and young people in their 20s and 30s, who typically find it hard to join protests during the week due to work or studies, were present.

Despite temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius, participants continued to protest in their own ways. Volunteers distributed sunscreen, water, and insect repellent to encourage participation. A couple visiting with their child attached a South Korean flag to their stroller for a photo opportunity, while family groups sought shade under trees, waving flags. Unlike the previous weekend's chants for a “reelection,” participants on this day shouted for “fraud-free elections, reelections, same-day voting, and manual counting.”
 
The gathering at the Jamsil counting center featured a mix of voices. Some participants called for the restoration of voting rights. A young man encountered while making signs stated, “Without elections, democracy is over,” emphasizing the need for voting rights. A man in his 40s pointed out the ballot shortage issue, insisting it must be resolved solely for the benefit of the people.

Some citizens, holding umbrellas adorned with both South Korean and U.S. flags, protested against election fraud. They carried signs demanding “U.S.-Korea joint international investigation,” “Down with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP),” and “Eliminate communism.” A tour bus parked nearby operated under the guise of a “cooling shelter for voters,” but it also displayed messages like “We stand with you from America.”

Meanwhile, police have assessed that dispersing the protest in the short term is unfeasible and are preparing for a prolonged situation. They stated they would ensure peaceful protests while strictly addressing any illegal activities. Police warned that continued acts of insult or obstruction could lead to criminal charges. Investigations are also underway regarding incidents involving the youth handball team and assaults on journalists.

Sports organizations based at the handball stadium have expressed distress over the blockade of the Jamsil counting center. They attempted negotiations with protesters to access their offices, but talks broke down, disrupting their operations. Fencing, in particular, is facing challenges as it approaches the Asian Championships this week. Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, along with the federation and nine member sports organizations, plans to hold a press conference on June 15 to discuss the impact and the need for normalizing operations.