Sports Groups Protest Blockade of Stadium Counting Center

Sports organizations in South Korea protested Thursday morning to demand restored access to a stadium currently serving as a ballot-counting center ^[1].

The blockade has halted the daily operations of multiple athletic associations, preventing them from accessing essential financial tools and equipment needed to run tournaments. This disruption occurs amid broader national tensions following a ballot-paper shortage during the June 3, 2024, local elections ^[1].

Members of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee's sports organization federation and a coalition of about 12 sports organizations gathered at the stadium entrance at 9:20 a.m. ^[1]. Approximately 200 participants joined the demonstration, which has lasted for about one week ^[1].

The groups said their workplace had been taken away. The blockade prevents staff from accessing corporate cards, one-time password (OTP) devices, and other critical equipment ^[1].

According to the protesters, the lack of access has caused a cascade of administrative failures. The groups said they are unable to process tax payments, or distribute allowances to athletes and staff ^[1]. Tournament operations have also been halted because the organizations cannot reach their primary offices housed within the venue ^[1].

The stadium was converted into a counting center to manage the fallout from the local elections held on June 3, 2024 ^[1]. While the facility is necessary for the electoral process, the sports organizations said the total blockade of the premises is an unreasonable restriction on their ability to work ^[1].