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As protests blocking the vote-counting center, triggered by a shortage of ballots in the June 3 local elections, have continued for a second week, police are considering applying obstruction of business charges against some participants who allegedly prevented officials from sports organizations from entering the handball stadium and removing items during the protest.

(Omitted)

Attorney Chon Hyeong Hwan of Mega-X Law Office said, “If actions such as blocking entrances or attempting to occupy the premises by surrounding them with a large number of people amount to force, obstruction of business may be established.”

He added, “According to precedent, the business does not necessarily have to be actually interrupted; it is sufficient if a risk of obstruction arises.”

Attorney Chon continued, “However, the applicable charge may differ depending on whether what was obstructed was ‘someone’s business’ or ‘the police’s official duties.’”

He added, “For police to apply obstruction of business, they must be able to identify the actual subject whose business was obstructed as the ‘sports organization.’”

Ultimately, the key focus of the investigation is expected to be whether some protest participants prevented officials from sports organizations from entering the venue and removing items, and whether they exercised enough force in the process to make it difficult for the officials to carry out their duties.

Police are expected to reconstruct the situation at the time based on secured evidence videos, closed-circuit television footage, and statements from people at the scene.

Source: New Daily, Reporters Kim Dong-woo and Bae Jung-hyun, “Legitimate Protest or Obstruction of Business? Legal Community Says ‘Punishment Possible if Specific Threats Such as External Pressure Were Applied,’” June 18, 2026.
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