'Korean sport must not be stopped,' body says

Participants wave South Korean and American flags in front of the handball arena at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on June 30, as a sit-in protest over a ballot shortage — now in its 28th day — continues to block access to the venue. [Newsis]
Participants wave South Korean and American flags in front of the handball arena at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on June 30, as a sit-in protest over a ballot shortage — now in its 28th day — continues to block access to the venue. [Newsis]

Even after the National Assembly's special parliamentary investigation committee conducted an on-site inspection Wednesday — the 27th consecutive day of the blockade at the Olympic Park handball arena — ballot boxes were still not removed from the venue. The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee expressed deep regret that the restoration of normal operations for its member sports federations had been delayed yet again.

The committee said it "respects the purpose of the parliamentary investigation and the need to uncover the truth," but warned that the prolonged access restrictions were making it increasingly difficult for member federations to carry out essential functions — including supporting national team athletes, preparing for international competitions and running domestic events. "The damage ultimately falls on athletes, coaches and sports professionals," it said, adding that "Korean sport must not be allowed to suffer any further from this situation."

The committee also said it plans to conduct a legal review into whether the National Election Commission bears legal responsibility for the situation and whether member federations may be entitled to compensation for damages, and will pursue necessary legal action based on the findings.


yjc@heraldcorp.com