On June 16, as protests continued at the Jamshil counting center due to a ballot shortage for the June 3 local elections, lawmakers from the People Power Party and sports officials attempted to enter but were met with opposition from some citizens. Opinions among onlookers were divided, with some arguing that the entrance should be opened to allow youth athletes to retrieve their equipment, while others insisted that the entrance should remain closed due to a lack of transparency. The failed attempt to enter raises the possibility of a prolonged blockade.
Twelve days into the blockade of the handball arena being used as the counting center, police attempted to enter with sports officials but retreated after facing protests from citizens participating in the blockade.
Jang Dong-hyuk, the leader of the People Power Party, arrived on the scene after being briefed on the standoff between police and citizens. After discussions with police and sports officials, he announced plans to enter the arena. Around 2 p.m., he stated at the entrance of the handball arena that they had reached an agreement to allow the sports officials to bring in necessary items. He added that two camera crews from broadcasting stations and two staff members from sports organizations would accompany them inside.
Protesters demanded transparency, insisting on the entry of the two cameras and verification of the items being brought out. Jang agreed to these demands after consulting with the police. Citizens gathered at the entrance to observe the situation, and some engaged in scuffles to secure their positions. During this time, some citizens questioned the motives behind the attempted entry.
Some citizens even blocked the entrance. Others nearby attempted to persuade them to open the entrance but were unsuccessful. Jang, after being informed of the situation, stated, "We have proposed a sufficiently reasonable alternative, and most citizens agreed. However, if one citizen is blocking the door, I will respect that person's wishes," adding, "I will try to persuade them, but if they are not persuaded, it will be difficult to proceed today." After making this statement, Jang observed the situation from behind.
After waiting for two and a half hours, the door remained closed. Jang stated, "The situation is not conducive, so we withdrew our personnel." Subsequently, police and sports officials also withdrew. The attempt to enter the Jamshil counting center effectively ended in failure. Protesters shouted slogans against electoral fraud and moved back to their respective protest areas while singing the national anthem.
Opinions among citizens participating in the protest regarding the entry attempt were varied. A woman in her 70s remarked, "They say the cameras from the broadcasting stations are going in, but I don't know what to do. We must block the entrance. That young man blocking the door is doing the right thing." Meanwhile, some citizens near the entrance expressed distrust, saying, "YouTubers should also be allowed in," advocating for the entrance to remain closed.
Conversely, a woman in her 60s, observing the scene, argued, "I heard that fencers need to compete today, and since they are only trying to bring out their equipment, entry should be allowed." She added, "The staff from the sports organizations are citizens too, and they need protection." Another woman in her 70s emphasized, "The sports organizations are not at fault."
The failed attempt to enter the Jamshil counting center raises the likelihood of an extended blockade, which has now entered its 12th day. Police stated on June 11 that they would respond sternly to illegal activities, and on the same day, Justice Minister Jeong Seong-ho announced a policy to respond severely to excessive actions and illegal activities that some are committing under the guise of legitimate public outrage over violations of voting rights.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.