Election office billed 200 million won over prolonged election protests at Olympic Park
The Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO) has billed the Songpa District Election Commission 201.5 million won (about $141,500) for the continued use of the Handball Stadium in Seoul. The stadium has remained occupied since the June 3 local elections because protesters have prevented the venue from being returned after ballot shortages led to election disputes.
The rental fee covers 39 days, from June 4 to July 12, at a cost of approximately 5.16 million won per day. Since the stadium must remain available until a full recount of 2.47 million ballots on Aug. 18, the total rental cost is expected to reach around 400 million won. The Election Commission originally rented the venue for only three days at a cost of about 15 million won.
The Election Commission sought legal advice about who should be responsible for the growing costs. Government lawyers stated that the commission may not be entirely at fault because it could not return the venue due to circumstances beyond its control. They also suggested that if the protesters are found legally responsible, the commission could seek reimbursement from them. However, it remains uncertain whether the protesters can be identified and held liable.
Edited using generative AI tools.
Source: https://www.koreajoongangdaily.com/korea/election-office-billed-200-million-wonnbspover-prolonged-election-protests-atnbspolympic-park/12811971 |
