"Those Who Join Illegal Protests Will Face Ruin," Seoul Police Chief Warns

Park Jung-bo, Commissioner of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, has vowed a stern response to illegal activities by protesters at the "Jamsil ballot counting station," where participants have been caught searching the personal belongings of ordinary citizens without authorization.

During a regular press briefing today (June 15), Commissioner Park addressed the incident in which Jamsil protesters searched the belongings of the national youth women's handball team. He stated, "Because they demonstrated the power of a crowd, we have applied charges of special coercion rather than general coercion," noting that the offense carries a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.

He further warned, "The sentencing is extremely heavy. If you thoughtlessly join in illegal acts and are charged as an accomplice, you could face personal ruin."

The Seoul police chief’s unusually strong language and mention of potential criminal penalties appear to stem from the assessment that the illegal actions of some Jamsil protesters have crossed the line.

President Lee Jae-myung also remarked during a meeting of senior secretaries held while on a trip to Europe the previous day, "Shouldn't we deal strictly with acts of private inspection and obstruction of business using force?"

The Songpa Police Station in Seoul has identified three individuals who were actively involved in searching the youth team's belongings and has issued a summons for one of them.

Currently, a total of 15 investigations are underway regarding incidents including the search of personal belongings, assaults against journalists, acts of insult toward police officers on the scene, and violence among the participants themselves.

Commissioner Park stated, "Assaulting journalists is unacceptable. We are currently applying charges of confinement," adding that they have identified and are tracking three individuals actively involved in that incident as well.

He further added, "The Korean police are the best at identifying and arresting individuals. If we set our minds to it, we can do it anytime," and warned, "Those who participated in the insults will also be apprehended soon."

Regarding the situation where sports organizations under the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee have been unable to access their offices for 10 days due to the blockade of the handball gymnasium, he signaled that charges of obstruction of business would be applied to the protesters.

Commissioner Park stated, "This is clearly an illegal act, and we are collecting evidence," adding that he would consider the police's future actions after observing the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's press conference this afternoon.

He also emphasized that while the police had previously dealt with the situation by withdrawing to avoid potential clashes between protesters and officers, "What is clear is that if illegal acts of obstruction of business are confirmed, we will deal with them strictly. We will pursue judicial action after the fact."

However, Commissioner Park noted, "Fundamentally, we view this as a public forum where citizens who believe their right to vote has been infringed have gathered voluntarily to express their opinions," adding, "We are actively guaranteeing peaceful expression of opinion as it is a right of the people protected by the Constitution."

Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it has received a total of 306 reports via 112 since the day of the June 3 local elections regarding issues such as ballot shortages and disturbances.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.