Yoon Ho-jung: Jamsil Protests Cannot Justify Private Checks or Occupations

By Park Ja Yeon Posted : June 17, 2026, 20:48 Updated : June 17, 2026, 20:48
Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety, delivers a public address regarding the infringement of citizens' voting rights and the protests near the Jamsil polling station on June 16 in Seoul. [Photo=Ministry of Interior and Safety]
Yoon Ho-jung, Minister of the Ministry of Interior and Safety, stated that actions undermining the rule of law, such as private checks or facility occupations, cannot be justified under any circumstances. This comment comes in response to ongoing protests at the handball stadium in Olympic Park, Songpa District, Seoul, which have led to a shortage of ballots for the June 3 local elections.
In a public address delivered on June 16 at the Government Seoul Building, Yoon expressed regret over the illegal activities that have occurred during the prolonged protests, which have now lasted over ten days. He noted, "I am very disappointed that numerous illegal cases infringing upon the law and social order have arisen during the protests."
Yoon emphasized that while the government will ensure the protection of lawful assemblies aimed at correcting infringements on voting rights and restoring democracy, it will not tolerate actions that obstruct the entry of authorized personnel or impede legitimate duties. He stated, "Acts that unjustly insult police officers or infringe upon the rights of others under the guise of protecting voting rights are serious crimes that will not be accepted."
He further asserted, "We will pursue and hold accountable anyone who endangers the lives and safety of citizens," and announced that strong measures would be taken against the dissemination of false information that threatens public order, including deleting related posts and blocking accounts.
Yoon also outlined plans to investigate the ballot shortage and improve the electoral system. He remarked, "The right to vote is a constitutional right that should never be limited or infringed upon for any reason," and committed to thoroughly uncovering the details of the situation through a joint investigation by the police and prosecutors.
Additionally, he mentioned plans to establish a deliberative forum involving representatives from various sectors, including youth, to identify issues within the electoral management system and actively cooperate in proposing reforms through a National Assembly investigation.



* This article has been translated by AI.

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