Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho: "Will Sternly Respond to Excessive Illegal Acts at Olympic Park"

Regarding the recent escalation of protests at Olympic Park, Minister of Justice Jung Sung-ho emphasized that he would "sternly respond to excessive deviations and illegal acts committed by some, using the public's legitimate anger as a pretext."

In a post on his Facebook page today (June 16), Minister Jung stated, "The freedom of expression and assembly does not grant the right to threaten and mock others, or to conduct private inspections and sanctions."

The blockade protest at the Olympic Park vote-counting center, which was triggered by a shortage of ballot papers during the June 3 local elections, has entered its 12th day and is showing signs of becoming increasingly radical.

A "private inspection" incident occurred where some protesters blocked members of the women's youth national handball team and forcibly searched their belongings, leading the police to launch an investigation.

There have also been incidents where protesters who opposed slogans alleging election fraud were labeled as "infiltrators from Daejinyeon (Korea University Student Progressive Union)," a left-wing group, and a reporter leaving the counting center was assaulted by protesters.

Minister Jung pointed out, "Infringement on voting rights is a serious matter that requires a thorough investigation and accountability." He added, "The indiscriminate private inspections, threats, de facto confinement, baseless accusations of being Chinese, and obstruction of business currently being carried out by some individuals at Olympic Park against police, ordinary citizens, reporters, sports association staff, and athletes are all clear illegal acts and subject to punishment as flagrant offenses."

Minister Jung continued, "This is an act that smears the faces of the many young people and citizens who are expressing their opinions in a mature and dignified manner," and stated, "We will ensure thorough prosecution and punishment."

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