Woman Investigated for Blocking Access to Jamsil Vote Counting Center

Police are investigating a woman accused of blocking access to the Jamsil vote counting center during a protest triggered by a shortage of ballots in the June 3 local elections.

The Songpa Police Station in Seoul summoned the woman, in her 30s, as a suspect in an obstruction of duty case around 4 p.m. on July 10, approximately three weeks after launching the investigation on June 17. Authorities plan to confirm the circumstances surrounding her interference with the entry of sports organization officials.

Before her appearance, she spoke to reporters outside the police station, stating, "I believe that the court or the election commission's decision on preserving evidence should take precedence. If verification proceeds without adhering to principles and procedures, how can it be persuasive regardless of the outcome?"

She emphasized, "If it requires a cost to protect liberal democracy, I am willing to pay that cost."

On June 16, she single-handedly blocked the entrance to the handball stadium for about two hours, where opposition lawmakers, including People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk, were attempting to enter.

Despite attempts by Jang and Yoo Seung-min, president of the Korean Sports Council, to persuade her, she refused to back down, insisting that the preservation procedures for the ballots and ballot boxes should take priority. Jang stated at the time, "If a citizen is blocking the door, I will respect that person's will," and withdrew.

Some have referred to the woman as 'Oldark,' a portmanteau of 'Olympic Park' and 'Joan of Arc.' She also appeared at the National Assembly on July 2 when the special committee investigating the ballot shortage attempted to enter the handball stadium, blocking the entrance at Gate 2-1. At that time, committee members used the secured Gate 2-2, avoiding any physical confrontation with her.