▲ Protesters calling for an investigation into the ballot shortage incident shout slogans in front of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, which was used as a counting station during the June 3 local elections, on June 28.
As the blockade protest at the Jamsil ballot counting station enters its 25th day, the number of suspects under police investigation for illegal activities continues to rise.
An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency stated during a regular press briefing today (June 29), "We are currently conducting 57 investigations related to the Jamsil counting station, with one case closed. The number of individuals under investigation is 139."
First, nine people have been booked on charges of obstruction of business for interfering with access to the handball gymnasium, which is managed by the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.
The identities of seven of these individuals have been confirmed.
The identities of five people who were caught rummaging through the personal belongings of the women's youth national handball team have also been verified.
The police have questioned some of these individuals and have issued summons for the others.
Six people have been booked on charges including the assault of journalists.
The identities of five of these individuals have been confirmed.
Regarding cases of insulting police officers and obstruction of justice, 11 investigations are currently underway.
The only arrest made so far involves a woman in her 40s who was taken into custody on June 23 for swearing at and spitting on a police officer.
The police have requested the Korea Communications Standards Commission to delete or block 286 online posts containing false information, such as claims that "the officers on-site are Chinese police."
Of these, 148 posts have been removed.
In addition, there have been 44 cases of assault, public intimidation, and insults occurring among the protesters themselves.
From June 5, when the protests in front of the handball gymnasium began, through June 26, the police deployed a total of approximately 200 riot police units over 22 days.
At least three units were deployed during the night.
During the day on weekends, up to seven units were deployed.
The police explained that the riot police are focusing on maintaining order and managing crowds and safety, working alongside dialogue police, detective teams, and local precinct officers.
They added that they are also focusing on preventing disputes and friction among the participants.
The police plan to maintain an appropriate level of personnel until the situation on-site stabilizes.
A police official reiterated a warning, stating, "We will guarantee the freedom of expression related to the infringement of voting rights as much as possible, but we will respond strictly to clear illegal acts according to the law and principles."
The police expressed a cautious stance regarding the ongoing unpermitted assemblies, which have caused continued damage to organizations housed in the stadium, such as the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee.
A police official said, "This is a very unique situation where citizens are gathering individually, so we need to review countermeasures more comprehensively."
Meanwhile, the police announced that they would continue the investigation into Morse Tan (Korean name: Dan Hyun-myung), a professor at Liberty University in the U.S., who is accused of defaming President Lee Jae-myung.
The police plan to proceed with the investigation based on police records and evidence secured as of June 25.
Professor Tan is currently under a travel ban until June 30.
▲ Morse Tan, a professor at Liberty University in the U.S. who is accused of defaming President Lee Jae-myung, answers questions from citizens during a press conference held in front of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on June 24.
When asked about the possibility of extending the travel ban, a police official replied, "It is difficult to comment on immigration regulations."
The official added, "We will carry out all necessary measures for the investigation without omission."
Professor Tan was originally scheduled to be summoned for questioning on June 24, but he did not comply, citing the possibility of media exposure.
Professor Tan appeared for questioning privately the following day.
A police official stated that the schedule for June 24 was disclosed by Professor Tan himself.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.