Seoul Olympic Park ballot‑shortage protest met by police raid

Following a 27‑day blockade at the handball arena in Seoul’s Olympic Park, members of the National Assembly’s special election‑investigation committee entered the site with police assistance on June 2. They inspected stored ballot boxes, voting records, tally sheets and related equipment, but did not open the boxes or count the ballots. The entry prompted confrontations with demonstrators, including the forced removal of participants and an incident in which a 40‑year‑old woman spat at a police officer and was subsequently arrested on charges of obstructing public duties.

The protest, which began after a shortage of ballot papers in the June 3 local elections, has expanded to include anti‑China slogans such as “China out” and threats toward Chinese tourists. Police have deployed hundreds of officers, and additional arrests have been made for alleged assaults on officers. The ongoing demonstrations highlight continuing public distrust over the election process and heightened nationalist sentiments.