Subtitled News: Calls for 'Ol-darc' Legal Fund Spark Debate Over 'Heroism'

Calls are growing for a fundraising campaign to support a woman who has been dubbed "Ol-darc" by some protesters after she single-handedly blocked entry to a vote-counting station in Jamsil.

On Wednesday (June 17), a post appeared on an online community suggesting that a fundraising campaign for "Ol-darc" should be launched.

The author argued that a fundraising effort for legal fees is necessary, stating, "If 'Ol-darc' undergoes police questioning, she will be at a disadvantage without legal assistance."

Another user wrote, "I have already spoken to Representative Hwang Kyo-ahn about protecting 'Ol-darc,' and since I have connections in the pro-Yoon legal circle, I will help as much as I can."

One netizen responded by saying, "I have set aside money to sponsor her legal fees in case 'Ol-darc' runs into trouble," while others insisted that a donation account should be opened immediately.

Hwang Kyo-ahn, leader of the Freedom and Innovation Party, also took to his social media to praise the woman as a "patriotic comrade" and expressed his intention to provide free legal representation.

"Ol-darc" is a portmanteau of "Olympic Park" and "Joan of Arc." It is a nickname given by some protesters to a woman who blocked the 2-1 entrance of the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium on June 16, preventing Korean Sport & Olympic Committee staff from entering.

As images photoshopped to depict the woman as Joan of Arc spread widely across some online communities, critical voices have also emerged.

Netizens expressed reactions such as, "Do they think she's an independence fighter?" and "It is difficult to understand why they are heroizing someone who committed an illegal act."

The police have launched a pre-investigation into the woman.

A police official stated, "We are currently conducting an investigation by identifying illegal activities and suspects based on the analysis of evidence," adding, "We are analyzing relevant footage with the intention of applying charges of obstruction of business."

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Jung Yong-hee | Graphics by Yang Hye-min | Source: Online community 'DC Inside' | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.