South Korea: Election Protesters Accused of Assault, Seoul Police Issue Strong Warning

Protests over ballot shortages during South Korea's local elections on June 3 have continued for several days. On June 15, Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Chief Park Jung-boo issued a strong statement condemning recent incidents in which demonstrators reportedly blocked and searched the personal belongings of members of the youth women's national handball team attempting to enter a sports venue.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Chief Park emphasized that such group intimidation tactics fall under 'special coercion' rather than ordinary coercion, carrying a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison. He warned, 'Those who mindlessly join or support illegal acts could be deemed accomplices and face severe reputational damage.'

The unusually strong language from the Seoul police chief, including explicit mention of criminal penalties, signals authorities' assessment that certain protesters' actions at Jamsil Olympic Park have crossed legal boundaries.

The Songpa Police Station has identified three individuals who actively participated in searching the athletes' belongings and has summoned one for questioning. Currently, 15 cases are under investigation, including unlawful searches, assaults on journalists, verbal abuse of police officers, and violence among protesters.

Chief Park stressed that assaulting journalists is 'absolutely unacceptable' and promised swift arrests for those involved in such acts. He also announced plans to apply 'obstruction of business' charges against protesters for blocking the handball arena, which has prevented sports organizations under the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee from accessing their offices for 10 consecutive days.

While acknowledging the legitimacy of peaceful protests, Park explained that police had temporarily withdrawn to avoid clashes. 'However, once illegal acts such as obstruction of business are confirmed, we will respond firmly and hold individuals accountable under the law,' he stated.

He added, 'Citizens who believe their political rights have been violated have the constitutional right to gather peacefully in public spaces to express their opinions, and police are actively safeguarding this right.'