The student councils of universities across the country, including Yonsei University, have announced plans to issue a statement and hold rallies on the political situation on June 10th. This action is in response to the unprecedented ‘ballot paper shortage incident’ that occurred during the local elections on June 3rd. Student councils from 16 universities, including major ones like Seoul National University and Korea University, are expected to participate. The statement will demand a national investigation, a special prosecutor for a thorough investigation and accountability, measures to protect basic rights, structural reform of the National Election Commission, and the establishment of a citizen-participatory reform monitoring agency.
The movement is spreading nationwide, with universities in Incheon, Busan, and Daegu also issuing statements and preparing similar declarations. Meanwhile, protests continue in front of the Handball Stadium in Olympic Park, where a ballot box from the delayed voting at Jamsil 7-dong’s polling station is stored. However, with people returning to schools and workplaces, the number of protestors has significantly decreased.
The tone of the protests is changing as conservative groups such as ‘Yoon Again’ fill in for the younger generation who initially led the demonstrations. Political slogans and symbols are becoming more prominent, including those associated with claims of election fraud. In response to previous incidents, such as the checking of belongings of youth handball national team players and the assault of a reporter, the police have increased their presence and are prepared to take strong action against any potential violence.