Prime Minister Kim: "By What Right Do You Block Athletes? We Will Respond Firmly to Punish and Deter Illegal Acts"

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated today (the 16th) regarding the blockade of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium by protesters, who gathered following the ballot shortage incident during the June 3 local elections, that "the government will respond firmly to these illegal acts to punish and deter them."

Prime Minister Kim made these remarks during his opening statement at the Cabinet Meeting and Emergency Economic Headquarters Meeting held at the Government Complex Seoul this morning.

"The government is humbly listening to and respecting the public's legitimate concerns regarding the infringement of voting rights," Prime Minister Kim said. "However, it can never be justified for some participants to use this situation as an excuse to infringe upon the rights of others."

He particularly emphasized, "Privately controlling those who have the authority to enter is a serious illegal act that can never be tolerated under any circumstances," and asked rhetorically, "Why else would the president of the sports association request the deployment of public power"

He continued his criticism, asking, "Why should I have to undergo a search when I am going to my own office? What are they supposed to do if they block fencing athletes from taking out their fencing swords?" He added, "By what right are they blocking legitimate passage? It cannot be explained by any reason."

Prime Minister Kim ordered, "The police should take immediate action on-site against those committing illegal acts according to the law and principles, and thoroughly track down even suspected illegal activities through evidence collection to hold them strictly accountable." He added, "In particular, please devise all necessary protective measures so that sports figures can enter and exit safely and focus on their work."

Regarding the conclusion of the end-of-war negotiations between the United States and Iran, Prime Minister Kim pointed out, "The positions of both sides are still conflicting on some major issues," and noted, "We must not let our guard down until the very end."

He further requested, "Above all, I ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to maintain a close cooperative system with relevant countries to ensure that all 24 of our ships and their crews in the Strait of Hormuz can return home safely."

Regarding the upcoming launch of the Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City, Prime Minister Kim stated, "I ask the relevant ministries to carefully check the preparation status, even in areas closely related to residents' daily lives." He added, "I will also visit the Jeonnam-Gwangju site in person this afternoon to check the preparations one by one."

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