Protesters Surround Election Site, Demand New Vote Amid Clashes
A group of protesters, who previously occupied the second polling station for three days, have reportedly surrounded another nearby election site. The demonstrators are now demanding a recount of the June 3rd local elections. During the course of these demonstrations, journalists have been allegedly detained and assaulted.
Mass Gathering at Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium
As of 8 PM, over 1,000 individuals, including citizens advocating for a recount and conservative YouTubers, have gathered at the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, which is serving as a polling station. Protesters are encircling the building, chanting slogans such as “Recount.” They assert that election officials and members of the Election Commission have left the polling station, allowing them to intercept ballot boxes. The protesters have reportedly taken control of all entrances and exits to the gymnasium.
The demonstrators began assembling around 10 AM, shortly after police began escorting voters out of the polling station. Information shared through YouTube broadcasts and online chat rooms dedicated to alleged election fraud appears to have coordinated this assembly. Protesters are encouraging others to join, claiming that election officials could potentially remove ballot boxes from the polling station at any moment, thus creating a human chain to prevent this.
Diverse Group Participates in Protest
Among those present are local residents, some accompanied by infants and young children, who have been seen pulling luggage. Prominent figures, including Korean history instructor Jeon Han-gil, who has been vocal about alleged election fraud, and Professor Morey Tan (Korean name Dan Hyun-myung) from Liberty University in the United States, are also reportedly active at the site.
Journalist Assaulted During Incident
During the ongoing protest, instances of physical assault against journalists attempting to cover the events have also occurred. One journalist, who identified themselves and was attempting to leave, was reportedly blocked from exiting through a window. The individual claims they were physically restrained and their mobile phone was knocked from their hand, with its case breaking in the struggle. The outlet has stated that they will pursue legal action against those involved in the assault.
The outlet further condemned the violence, stating, “Violence directed at journalists is not just an attack on individual reporters, but an infringement upon freedom of the press guaranteed by the constitution and the public’s right to know. This is a serious threat that undermines the foundation of democracy.”
