Handball Venue Groups Urge Cooperation for Asian Games Preparation

The handball venue at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, which was used as a ballot counting station during the June 3 local elections, has been under prolonged lockdown due to a shortage of ballot papers. In response, member organizations of the Korean Sports Council located at the venue have reiterated their appeal for access to their offices and the retrieval of essential materials.

On the morning of July 28, these organizations held a press conference at the National Assembly's communication hall, alongside Rep. Kim Jae-won of the Justice Innovation Party, to issue a public appeal for cooperation from relevant authorities to expedite the normalization of their operations.

The organizations stated, "We deeply empathize with the need for the National Assembly's investigation into important national matters and fully respect its purpose. However, the prolonged restrictions on office access have made it increasingly difficult for member organizations to carry out even basic administrative tasks necessary for sports governance."

They emphasized, "Member organizations support national athletes, manage domestic and international competitions, oversee athlete and coach registrations and qualifications, facilitate international exchanges, and provide various public services related to sports administration in South Korea. However, the essential administrative equipment and documents are locked in our offices, severely hindering our ability to perform these critical functions, especially with the upcoming 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games preparations at risk."

Additionally, they noted, "Delays in issuing performance certificates required for college admissions and employment are causing inconvenience and harm to athletes, coaches, students, and the public."

The organizations earnestly requested safe access for their staff to the offices and the retrieval of essential administrative materials and equipment. They also urged that the process be conducted transparently to avoid undermining public trust in the management of ballot boxes and voting materials, and to prevent unnecessary misunderstandings, seeking cooperation from the National Assembly and other relevant agencies.

Previously, the National Representatives Council of Coaches also expressed concerns in a statement released on June 30, stating, "The current restrictions on access to the Olympic Park handball venue are causing difficulties in the administrative operations of sports organizations, which in turn affects the preparation and support for national athletes in international competitions."

Regarding the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, they remarked, "For many national athletes, winning a medal is one of the most important goals in their careers, representing years of training, sacrifice, injuries, rehabilitation, and perseverance. Even now, athletes are dedicating their youth to prepare for the honor of wearing the Taegeuk mark."

They concluded by requesting attention and consideration to ensure that the training and preparations of athletes representing South Korea continue without disruption, stating, "The rights of the public and the challenges faced by national athletes are not opposing values but rather precious assets of South Korea that must be safeguarded together."