People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok speaks on the 16th at the Olympic Park Handball Arena in Seoul, where citizens protesting the ballot paper shortage in the June 3 local elections continue their demonstrations. By Han Su-bin

People Power Party leader Jang Dong-hyeok said on the 16th at the scene of the Jamsil vote-counting site, which is being blockaded by demonstrators, “(Korean Sport & Olympic Committee) Two people per organization will go in and, in sequence, bring out their belongings.” It is unclear whether Jang’s assertion was coordinated with the police or the sports committee.

Speaking in front of the Olympic Park Handball Arena in Songpa-gu, Seoul, where the counting site is located, Jang added, “We have decided not to touch any of the computer equipment.”

The People Power Party is seen as having mediated between the protesters and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee regarding access to the arena after the police attempted to force entry in the morning, resulting in a partial lifting of the blockade. Sports federations under the committee had demanded the deployment of state authority, saying they needed to enter their offices inside the arena.

During the mediation, Jang accepted the protesters’ demands. He said, “Our (People Power Party) lawmakers will also (enter the arena) together,” and added, “We will make it possible for you to see the items (Korean Sport & Olympic Committee officials) bring out.” He also said the video would be live-streamed during entry.

Jang said, “If we want to carry what we desire through to the end as results, it is important to win over even one more citizen,” and added, “So that those watching can feel that, as mature citizens, you have gathered with pure intentions to truly protect the future of the Republic of Korea and to safeguard democracy and suffrage, please observe in an orderly manner until the end.”

Jang said, “Even if there is some dissatisfaction or parts that are not satisfactory about doing it this way today, we will stay with you to the end, fight to achieve a re-election, pass a special counsel investigation, and join forces to the end so that we can reform the electoral system and the National Election Commission.”