Police Chief Vows "Immediate Arrests" for Illegal Acts at Jamsil Vote Counting Center Protest

As the protest blocking the vote counting center in Jamsil enters its 18th day, the head of the police agency has emphasized a strict stance against illegal activities occurring at the site.

Yoo Jae-sung, Acting Commissioner General of the Korean National Police Agency, stated during a regular press briefing today (June 22), "Regarding serious illegal acts such as the use of weapons or collective assault, we will take swift and decisive action, including the arrest of suspects in the act, based on the judgment of on-site commanders."

He added, "We will strictly hold individuals accountable by thoroughly collecting evidence and conducting follow-up investigations into illegal acts that infringe upon the rights of others, as well as acts of assault and intimidation."

Acting Commissioner General Yoo stated that he would respect and protect the expression of opinions regarding the infringement of voting rights as a legitimate exercise of sovereignty, adding, "We will perform our duties fairly while maintaining political neutrality to ensure that the public has no cause for concern."

This marks the second time in a week that a top police official has emphasized a stern response, following strong remarks made by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency Commissioner Park Jung-bo regarding the protesters.

During a press briefing held on the 15th, Commissioner Park said, "I hope the protesters keep in mind that if they thoughtlessly join in and are charged as accomplices, they could face ruin."

Following Commissioner Park's remarks, nine individuals, including members of the People Power Party, visited him to protest the statement.

Regarding the issue of moving ballot boxes inside the Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, which is being used as a vote counting center, Acting Commissioner General Yoo provided a principled response, stating, "I believe the matter will only be resolved when a social consensus is reached."

He further emphasized, "While there are legal precedents regarding the dispersal of protests, as the current demonstration has the character of an unorganized, unregistered assembly, we must make a careful judgment by comprehensively considering various situations and opinions."

The police are currently investigating 36 cases related to the Jamsil protest, including the searching of personal belongings of the women's youth national handball team, obstruction of access to the Korea Sport & Olympic Committee stadium, and assault against reporters.

Charges of obstruction of business have been applied to nine individuals who obstructed access to the Korea Sport & Olympic Committee, based on collected evidence.

Reported by Kim Jiuk | Video by Choi Gang-san | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.