Protest at Jamsil Counting Center Enters Day 9... Crowd Shrinks, but Calls for a Re-election Continue

[Financial News] The blockade protest at Jamsil counting center, sparked by the ballot shortage incident in the June 3 local elections, has continued for nine days. On the second weekend of the protest, the crowd was smaller than on the first weekend, but the calls for a re-election have continued.
As of 10 a.m. on the 13th, about 700 people had gathered around the SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Songpa District, according to an unofficial police estimate. That is down from as many as 30,000 people, also based on an unofficial police estimate, who gathered on the afternoon of the 6th, the second day of the protest and the first weekend.
In the morning, older participants in their 70s and above were especially visible among those extending the protest. As the afternoon approached, younger people and families gradually began to join.
Participants continued the rally while chanting slogans such as "A re-election for election fraud" and "Hand-count ballots on the day of voting." Between chants, they also sang the national anthem. No clashes occurred among protesters or with police officers.
Meanwhile, Kim Junsu is scheduled to hold an Asia tour concert at 5 p.m. at the Olympic Gymnastics Arena, about 100 meters from the counting center. Foot traffic in the area is expected to increase further in the afternoon. So far, however, no major confusion has occurred because concertgoers have not yet arrived.
Police have also deployed about 400 riot police officers to maintain order and manage the crowd at the scene.

jiany@fnnews.com Yeon Ji-an Reporter