Olympic Park Handball Gym Becomes Focal Point of Election Paper Shortage Investigation

Seoul, July 2 – The Olympic Park Handball Gymnasium, a venue turned makeshift counting center for the June 3 local elections, has drawn intense scrutiny following reports of missing ballot papers. A parliamentary special committee entered the site on Thursday to assess the handling of ballots amid a protest that began two days after the vote.

Protesters have erected a barrier around the gym to stop any removal of ballot boxes, arguing that the election authority’s mishandling caused voting delays across the country. Police cleared the entrance for the committee, allowing members to examine the counting tables, storage boxes and document logs.

While the inspection progressed, tension rose outside as demonstrators exchanged shoves and maintained a fortified perimeter. Their demand was clear: only officials carrying a special counsel’s authorisation or a court warrant could enter the premises.

Law enforcement responded by segregating protest groups and maintaining a heavy police presence. An emergency medical team was summoned after a protester seemed to lose consciousness, though the incident’s specifics remain unverified.

Prior to Thursday’s visit, the committee had been briefed by the Songpa District Election Commission on the full lifecycle of ballot paper management during the election, laying groundwork for today’s field work.